10 Towns in 10 Days

Western Massachusetts News Meteorologist Jacob Wycoff's series 10 Towns in 10 Days rolled through Hatfield on April 12th and we were lucky enough to be interviewed! 

The 10 Towns in 10 Days series highlights a different town each night, showcasing just some of what the area has to offer. Pioneer Valley Indoor Karting, Black Birch Wines, Good Stock Farm and our farm were mentioned.

Thanks again to Jacob and the crew, you did Hatfield proud!
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10 Towns in 10 Days: Hatfield
HATFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) 
May 2, 2018 | Jacob Wycoff, Meteorologist & Erin Fitzsimonds

Take a short spin off of I-91 in Hatfield, and you'll find Pioneer Valley Indoor Karting. 

For the last five-and-a-half years, tens of thousands of people have zoomed around the track in their not-so typical go-karts. 

"On the inside track, they're capable of 40mph. once we go outside, it'll probably be near 50," said Ryan Bouvier, the Owner of Pioneer Valley Indoor Karting. 

If you're looking to slow down a bit, head to Black Birch Vineyards. 

Co-Owner Michelle Kersbergen said while they continue to work on their grape harvest, the winery looks local when it comes to finding grapes. 

 "All the grapes that we've sourced in the past and in the future will be from our own vineyard," said Kersbergen. 

You can enjoy some of their collection in their beautiful tasting room, and while the wine list may be growing, Hatfield seems to remain the same.

Some farming roots in Hatfield are deeper than others. Harrison Bardwell of Bardwell Farm said his family has been tending to the land since the 1680's through nine generations.
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"Farming can connect you to the Earth and nature. Being able to grow food on the land we have been provided to us is really some meaningful."

​Bardwell said the town of Hatfield recognizes his hard work.

"They praise the local vegetables, how good they taste, how nutritious they are. It brings a smile to my face to know that I can support people," Bardwell continued. 

His farm also sells and donates some of his crop to places like the Food Bank of western Massachusetts. The food bank serves as the central hub for local food pantries and soup kitchens. 

"There are 223,000 people that rely on the food that we distribute from our warehouse," said Chris Wocjick with the Food Bank of western Massachusetts.  

Monetary donations are hugely important to the food bank.

"Every dollar that is provided to the food bank, we're able to provide three meals to a neighbor in need," Wocjick added. 

For all of the food bank does for people, Western Mass News wanted to help so a $500 check on the behalf of Diamond RV, Big Y and Western Mass News.

Tune in at 12:30 p.m. on Better Western Mass on Thursday to find out what town Jacob is headed to next. 

Related:

• 10 Towns in 10 Days - WesternMass News