Tate Farm opens season with Easter celebration
WILLARD, NC (WWAY) — Easter weekend is bringing more than just holiday festivities to a longtime community destination in Pender County.
Tucked behind a fence in Willard, Tate Farm has become a local favorite, known for its scenic setting and family-friendly activities. Visitors can explore rescued farm animals, enjoy kayaking and fishing, and walk trails across the property.
Owner and manager Jimmy Tate says transforming his family’s land into a gathering place for the community has been especially meaningful.
“This is a place that people can come and relax, enjoy, and be renewed all at the same time,” said Tate.
He added that the farm has grown into a space where people from different backgrounds can connect.
“To be able to own this land to be able to bring people together who are various backgrounds together, and we come together and laugh, and celebrate, and rejoice together here on this farm,” said Tate.
The farm will kick off its season Saturday with an Easter celebration featuring egg hunts, live music, and a unique aerial event.
“At 4:00, we have an airplane helicopter drop where we’re dropping another thousand Easter eggs here. Just going to be a phenomenal weekend for children as well as for adults. Everyone can come to Tate Farm and enjoy music in the evening and enjoy an Easter egg, a one-of-a-kind Easter egg hunt, during the day,” said Tate.
Beyond seasonal events, Tate Farm also hosts summer camps and field trips, offering students a chance to engage with nature and hands-on learning.
“Every time we come to the farm, through the summer camp, through my Opportunity to Lead program, my girls’ leadership academy, they put their phones down, and that’s huge. The biggest thing is just getting them back to nature, getting them outside. It’s team building, they learn agriculture, they learn animals, kayaking, fishing, I mean, just a collaboration,” said Tara Cline, youth services director at Mt. Calvary.
New this season, the farm is expanding to include an event space designed for weddings, graduations, and other gatherings. An outdoor wedding garden is also in development.
The Den, a renovated tobacco barn, can accommodate more than 200 people and features an indoor bar and an outdoor patio overlooking the farm.
“It’s just going to be, it’s already beautiful, but it’s going to be breathtaking by the time we finish with everything we’re doing out there,” said Lisa Robinson, the farm’s event liaison.
Saturday’s Easter celebration begins at 2 p.m., with more than 1,000 eggs hidden across the grounds. An aerial egg drop is scheduled for 4 p.m., followed by live music at 6 p.m.
