It's that time of the year when local farms and ranches open their doors to families across the province.

The annual Alberta Open Farm Days takes place this weekend with over 100 farms participating including several near Airdrie.

They include Glengary Bison, Custom Woollen Mills and FallenTimber Meadery.

CEO of the Alberta Association of Agricultural Societies Tim Carson, who is organizing Open Farm Days explains what it's all about.

"It's an opportunity for Albertans to go out and meet the great people that produce the amazing food that we have here in the province. It's also a chance for people to go out and explore our great rural communities and rural landscapes."

Carson added that nearly 30 of the farms participating this year are new.

Many activities will take place throughout the province including farm tours to see behind the scenes, markets, demonstrations and opportunities to get up close to animals.

Some farms will offer be selling their products and offering unique farm-to-table dining experiences.

For Carson, he believes it's important to showcase how vital the agriculture industry is to Albertans.

"Understand how food is produced here, get a sense and a feel of the passion and determination and expertise that these great producers have in not only growing the food for us but also stewarding the land, making sure operations stay alive and well for generations to come."

This year's Open Farm Days runs Aug. 14-15 and more details including a list of participating farms can be found on the official website.

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