Get ready to embrace the vibrant spirit of urban farming and community celebration! This May 5th, experience the ultimate Cinco de Mayo festivities with a unique twist at “A Peep at the Coops.” Celebrating its 10th anniversary with the theme “Peepin’ La Vida Loca,” this highly anticipated urban chicken coop tour invites you to explore some of the most innovative and charming backyard hen houses across North and East Dallas. It’s a truly “egg-cellent” opportunity to discover the joy of urban chicken keeping right here in Big D, while supporting a fantastic cause.
More than just a tour, “A Peep at the Coops” is an immersive journey into the burgeoning world of urban agriculture. Visitors will have the chance to marvel at thoughtfully designed coops, meet the passionate urban chicken raisers, and gain invaluable insights from experts on-hand to answer all your questions about sustainable backyard poultry. This family-friendly event promises a day full of discovery, learning, and fun, complete with an eclectic Urban Market featuring local artisans, delicious food vendors, informative community booths, captivating live entertainment, and a variety of activities to delight every member of your family.
The heart of “A Peep at the Coops” beats for Moss Haven Farm, a dedicated 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. This remarkable outdoor learning garden provides an enriching STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) curriculum for students at Moss Haven Elementary. Entirely sustained by the generous support of the community and corporate partners, Moss Haven Farm offers invaluable hands-on educational experiences that connect children with nature, foster a love for sustainable practices, and inspire future innovators. Every ticket purchased directly contributes to the growth and sustainability of this vital educational resource, ensuring that more students can benefit from its unique learning environment.
Imagine a day where you can stroll through picturesque urban landscapes, admire ingenious coop designs, and connect with a community passionate about sustainable living. “A Peep at the Coops” offers precisely that, making it one of Dallas’s most distinctive annual events. Whether you’re a seasoned chicken enthusiast, considering starting your own flock, or simply looking for a fun and educational outing with your family, this tour provides a fascinating glimpse into the thriving urban farm scene.
Event Details: Your Guide to “A Peep at the Coops”
Mark your calendars for an unforgettable day celebrating urban agriculture and community spirit!
What:
The “A Peep at the Coops Urban Chicken Coops Tour and Urban Market” offers a unique blend of education, entertainment, and exploration. It’s an opportunity to see how urban dwellers are successfully integrating sustainable practices and animal husbandry into their daily lives.
When:
Sunday, May 5, 2019. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in a truly unique and enriching way with your “familia” as you explore Dallas’s finest urban coops.
Tickets:
Tickets are available for $15 per person. Purchase yours conveniently online at www.aPeepAtTheCoops.org and use code CINCO for a $2 discount. Alternatively, tickets can be purchased in person at Moss Haven Farm on the day of the event. Children under 12 receive free admission (children must be accompanied by an adult), making it an affordable outing for families.
Tour & Market Hours:
- Urban Chicken Coops Tour: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Urban Market: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where:
The adventure begins at Moss Haven Farm, located at 9202 Moss Farm Lane, Dallas, TX 75243. This central hub is where you can purchase tickets, pick up your detailed tour maps, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Urban Market. Here, the expertise of North and East Dallas’s urban chicken raisers converges, and Moss Haven 4H students proudly showcase their own chickens and coops, sharing their knowledge and passion with visitors.
An Event Packed with Activities and Entertainment
Beyond the fascinating coop tours, “A Peep at the Coops” has curated a diverse array of attractions to ensure a memorable day for everyone. From delicious food to engaging performances and unique experiences, there’s something to captivate every interest:
- Seven Outstanding Urban Chicken Coops: Embark on a self-guided tour through carefully selected backyard coops, each offering a distinct design and a unique story of urban chicken keeping.
- Gourmet Food Trucks & Local Delights: Savor delectable treats from popular local vendors, including refreshing Steel City Pops, savory pizzas from Gepetto’s Pizza, delightful bites from Scot’s Café, and cool Kona Ice.
- Live Entertainment: Enjoy dynamic performances by FMJH’s Sound Express, local choirs, talented students from Zound Sounds, and graceful dancers from the Lake Highlands Dance Academy, adding a festive backdrop to your day.
- Chicken Yoga: Experience a truly unique and whimsical activity with “Chicken Yoga” (a $5 suggested donation benefits the farm), offering a fun and lighthearted interaction with our feathered friends.
- Special Presentation by The Texas Plant Guy: At 1 p.m., don’t miss Daniel Cunningham, “The Texas Plant Guy,” as he shares his expertise on edible landscapes, providing practical tips for integrating food-producing plants into your garden, complementing the theme of sustainable living.
- Unique Handmade Items: Browse and shop for one-of-a-kind handmade crafts and goods from talented local artisans at the Urban Market, perfect for finding a special souvenir or gift.
- Exciting Raffle Items: Participate in a thrilling raffle for a chance to win incredible prizes, including a luxurious farm-to-table dinner for six prepared by Personal Chef Juan Laugerud, a signed cap and draft cards from NFL superstar Patrick Mahomes, a full Invisalign treatment from Dr. Bill Blandford of Energy Square Dental, and a captivating “Warhol Wobbler” art piece by Pallavi Gaitonde.
Highlighting Dallas’s Finest Urban Chicken Coops: A Closer Look
The true stars of the “A Peep at the Coops” tour are the magnificent urban chicken coops themselves. Each selected coop offers a unique perspective on urban poultry keeping, showcasing diverse designs, innovative solutions, and the personal touches of their dedicated owners. Prepare to be inspired by these seven outstanding examples:
1. Bienvenidos! – Moss Haven Farm: Begin your journey at the source of inspiration – Moss Haven Farm’s impeccably designed educational coop. This vibrant hub allows over 500 Moss Haven Elementary students to delve into the fascinating world of chickens and responsible coop care. Many of the resident hens begin their lives as eggs hatched in kindergarten classrooms, creating an immediate and profound connection for the students. The dedicated 4H Club, comprising 30 enthusiastic student members, plays a crucial role in caring for the coop and mastering chicken husbandry. Under the guidance of a master gardener, these young poultry enthusiasts train diligently, learning to identify different breed characteristics and even preparing their chickens for competition. Their dedication has paid off, with the Moss Haven 4H Team proudly winning “Best Egg Contents” in both 2016 and 2017 at the State Fair of Texas, triumphing over more than 50 other entrants. Beyond competitions, all Moss Haven Elementary classes, from kindergarten to sixth grade, attend weekly farm lessons, tending to their class vegetable beds with the watchful eyes of their feathered friends providing a peaceful backdrop, embodying the true spirit of farm-to-school education.
2. El Sol: Discover the future of sustainable urban chicken keeping at “El Sol,” a coop that truly lives up to its name. This ingenious solar-powered coop empowers its family with remarkable energy efficiency, allowing them the freedom to embark on vacations for up to a month, needing only someone to collect the freshly laid eggs. “El Sol” stands as a shining example of how technology can seamlessly integrate with nature, reducing the ecological footprint of urban farming while providing peace of mind and fresh produce. It’s a testament to thoughtful design and environmental consciousness, inspiring visitors to consider sustainable solutions in their own backyard endeavors.
3. La Isla Bonita: Named in loving memory of a dearly departed hen, “La Isla Bonita” welcomes you to a charming and exceptionally functional chicken haven. This beautiful coop is home to a delightful flock of five “Christmas chickens,” all hatched between December 24th and 26th, adding a touch of festive magic to the backyard. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the coop exemplifies thoughtful design, proving that a chicken habitat can be both visually pleasing and incredibly easy to maintain. Its owners have mastered the art of creating a comfortable and efficient space for their beloved hens, showcasing how practical urban chicken keeping can also be a source of joy and beauty.
4. The Whole Enchilada: Prepare to be impressed by the sheer scale and ingenious design of “The Whole Enchilada.” This impressively large coop features a unique fence running down its center, creating a makeshift racetrack that provides endless entertainment for its nine resident “hen girls.” This clever addition not only offers enrichment and activity for the flock, but also simplifies the process of introducing and incorporating new birds into the existing group, ensuring a harmonious and dynamic social structure. It’s a prime example of how creative spatial planning can enhance both the welfare of the chickens and the ease of management for the urban farmer, making it a functional and playful “casa” for its feathered inhabitants.
5. El Sombrero: Step into an oasis of integrated living at “El Sombrero,” where the delightful clucking of hens in the side yard complements a breathtakingly fully edible garden in the backyard. The owner, a seasoned master gardener, found inspiration five years ago after attending this very tour, sparking a passion for raising hens not only for their fresh eggs but also as cherished pets. This expansive coop proudly houses four large, truly pampered hens alongside five adorable baby chicks, creating a bustling and happy family. A magnificent fig tree provides not only sweet, delicious treats for both humans and hens but also offers abundant, essential shade during the scorching dog days of summer, demonstrating a holistic approach to backyard sustainability and enjoyment.
6. Los Huevos: For anyone dreaming of a steady supply of fresh, homegrown eggs, “Los Huevos” offers a masterclass in diverse backyard poultry. Inspired by an article in The Dallas Morning News, this coop owner embarked on a journey to bring the farm-fresh goodness to his own backyard. The result is an impressive flock of eleven hens representing ten distinct breeds, ensuring not only an abundance of eggs but also a vibrant array of sizes and colors, turning every egg collection into a delightful surprise. This highly efficient coop boasts an automated waterer for consistent hydration and a clever rodent-proof feeder that ingeniously opens only when the chickens step on a plate, preventing pests from accessing their feed. Designed for human convenience as well, it features a full-size door and a double roost at the back, making maintenance and bird management effortlessly simple.
7. Los Pollos De Verano (“Chickens of Summer”): Rounding out the tour is “Los Pollos De Verano,” a truly family-friendly coop that serves as the perfect, loving home for eight wonderfully spoiled hens. The design of this coop thoughtfully prioritizes child involvement, allowing the family’s three kids to actively participate in the daily care of their chickens and the maintenance of the coop itself. This hands-on experience not only fosters a deep connection with animals and nature but also teaches responsibility and empathy from a young age. “Los Pollos De Verano” beautifully illustrates how urban chicken keeping can become a cherished family activity, creating lasting memories and a shared appreciation for sustainable living.
This Cinco de Mayo, choose an adventure that combines vibrant culture with sustainable living and community support. “A Peep at the Coops” is more than just a tour; it’s a celebration of innovation, education, and the unique spirit of North and East Dallas. By attending, you’re not only guaranteed a day of fun and fascinating discoveries, but you’re also directly contributing to the invaluable outdoor learning programs at Moss Haven Farm, empowering the next generation of environmentally conscious citizens. Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to explore the hidden gems of urban farming, meet friendly chickens, and support a truly meaningful cause. We can’t wait to welcome you to “Peepin’ La Vida Loca!” Grab your tickets today and get ready to experience the charm of Dallas’s urban chicken scene.