Mark Your Calendars: N.C. State's Farm Animals Days in April

This free annual event is a favorite, primarily, of the preschool crowd. This year, it runs 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday, April 15, to Friday, April 17. It's a draw for preschool and daycare groups, along with homeschoolers and kids who are tracked out. The weekday program is designed for field trips of preschoolers to first graders, but families and individuals are invited to come too.

If you're going as a small group, get there at either 9 a.m. or 1 p.m. to avoid the really busy times. I always try to get there at 9 a.m. It takes about an hour to do and see everything.

Family Animal Days takes place at N.C. State's Beef Educational Unit, 4505 Mid Pines Rd., which is about two miles south of Interstate 40 off Lake Wheeler Road.

Visitors will get to touch chicks, turkeys, ducks, pigs, sheep, goats and rabbits. They'll also get to see cows and horses. Tractors will be on display. And, you can't miss this: You can get some free Howling Cow ice cream. There's also plenty of room for picnics. (There are bathrooms and special hand washing stations set up).

Each day, there will be 15 to 20 minute presentations at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m. with information about animal agriculture. I'm looking forward to it!