Stop at Higbie Farm Supply in North Chili on Chick Day, April 29, and met Fred the alpaca and other farm animals. Fred is owned by Jim at Cobia Corner Alpacas in Hilton. Submitted photo.

With the arrival of spring, Higbie Farm Supplies will be hosting its annual Chick Day on Saturday, April 29 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Customers can expect to see chicks, ducklings, lambs and other newborn animals on display. The chicks and ducklings will be available for purchase, but visitors may also stop by just to pet the newborns. Chick Day will also include Happy the Clown, pony rides provided by the Livingston County 4-H club, and lunch will be available for purchase.

Higbie Farm Supplies is located on Union Street in North Chili in the former train depot. Higbie's is not a relic of the past but an example of a successful third generation family business. Each generation has offered goods and services to the customer that reflects this area's change from an economy based on agriculture to a more suburban lifestyle.

Sid Higbie and Fred Harris became partners in the 1930s when they established an outlet for the local farmers. They stored the local produce before it was shipped by rail to New York City. When train service was discontinued from North Chili, Higbie's became a grain mill operation.

In this area, farming continues, but on a smaller scale, and many people have house pets and backyard livestock. Since 1990, Rob Harris has expanded the mill operation to include the production of wild birdseed, as well as feed for any pet imaginable, from a Labrador to a llama.

Throughout the years, Higbie's has also remained a supplier of coal and wood pellets for heat, grass seed and fertilizers, and split rail fencing. However, the interior of the 1,100 square foot retail store is always changing. Every available space is maximized, yet the interior is charming and well organized. Lovely bird feeders hang from the ceiling, and the store is divided into bird, dog, horse, and rabbit aisles. Higbie's carries merchandise ranging from sensible barnyard boots to unique gift items. The employees are knowledgeable and have a true sense of propriety.

This year, Chick Day is Saturday, April 29 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will be held rain or shine. Come join in on the family fun at 3440 Union Street. Feel free to call for more information at 594-8300.

April 16, 2006