New family takes over Parkhurst Farm Stand

PRESTON — For Anna Riegel, a member of the Scott’s family that owns farm stands across Connecticut, farming is in her blood.

“I’ve been there my whole life, picking strawberries at 2 or 3 years old, and I’ve always loved it,” she said.

Riegel, along with her husband Mike Riegel, started the Riegel Farm & Forge this year at the site of the Parkhurst Farm Stand.

Anna Riegel said Dave Parkhurst didn’t have any children or grandchildren interested in taking the stand over, so he let the couple take over the stand.

“He was really excited to have someone that loved what he loved and wanted to do the work,” she said.

The stand has a variety of produce, from blueberries and peaches to watermelon and corn. Riegel, along with her family and other farmers in the area, grow the produce.

Leslie Collins, co-owner of Collins Farm in Oakdale, dropped off eggplants and bouquets last week. She said the families have been close for 38 years.

“So many of the farmers are friends anyway,” she said.

Preston resident Janet Tefft visited the stand last week.

“It’s beautiful to see flowers and all this fresh produce,” she said. “This is great to have right down the road.”

The stand is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.

The “Forge” side of the business is Mike Riegel’s focus.

The U.S. Marine Corps veteran makes both tools and sculptures. Mike picked up the art of blacksmithing after a motorcycle accident that resulted in injuries requiring major surgery. He said it helped him rebuild his strength, and be useful.

“I’m not leaning,” he said. “I’m just swinging a hammer, keeping my back straight.”

Mike Riegel said his skills are helpful around the farm.

“It’s pretty cool and it brings a different flair to (the farm stand), but it also helps if I’ve got to fix something,” he said.

Mike Reigel is hoping to keep the stand open until Christmas. They hope to keep the farm stand going and eventually pass it on to their children, who are home schooled and help out with the farm.

Anna Reigel said farming is a tough living, but Mike Riegel said they do it because it’s an honorable way to live.

“You get to see the fruits of your labor,” he said. “You see your hard work, and you see how (it) serves other people.”

At a glance

Mike Riegel, co-owner of the Riegel Farm and Forge, is a United States Marine Corps. veteran who grew up in a military family that also farmed. He said his dad would have him and his siblings start work outside before sunrise, so by sunset “you’re too tired to do anything stupid.”