MacDonald Farm

07/13/2025

Dawn MacDonald’s interview with CBC

07/13/2025

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/macdonald-farm-closed-miramichi-1.7582050

The group running an interpretive history centre at an 19th-century farm near Miramichi has rejected what it considered too little money from the province and won't open the farm this year.

07/09/2025

Please voice you concerns over MacDonald Farm to the following:

Minister of Tourism Heritage & Culture
[email protected]

Deputy Minister
Helene Bouchard
[email protected]

Assistant Deputy Minister
Jocelyne Mills
[email protected]

MLA Sam Johnston
[email protected]

07/08/2025

Public Announcement from the
Highland Society of New Brunswick
at Miramichi



It is with deep regret that the Highland Society of New Brunswick at Miramichi announces that MacDonald Farm Heritage Site will not be operating for the 2025 season due to inadequate funding support from the Provincial Government.

In 2012, at the request of the Provincial Government, the Highland Society entered into a partnership to operate MacDonald Farm after its closure from 2010-2012. A dedicated volunteer committee of Society members was formed to oversee operations. These volunteers have devoted their time, energy and expertise to the site from June 2012 to the present.

From 2012 to 2023, the provincial government provided an operating grant of $60,000. In 2024, recognizing the rising costs of operation – including increases in minimum wage, to the cost of animal feed – the committee formally requested additional funding. While an increased operating grant of $100,000 for 2024 was approved at the 11th hour, the government has reverted back to the original operating grant from 2012.

Despite financial challenges, the committee successfully kept the farm running for 13 years, supplementing the operating grant through revenue from our gift shop, weddings, community events, summer day camps, church picnics and our beloved “Christmas at the Farm”, where guests experienced an authentic 18th-century holiday celebration.

Throughout the years, we proudly hired local students, managers, teamsters and maintenance personnel. Our animals were generously donated each season by local farmers, returning to their home farms at the end of each summer.

We are especially grateful to the many families, schools, churches, community groups and young couples who chose MacDonald Farm over the years for weddings and gatherings. It was a true joy to share our Scottish Heritage and culture with them. While we deeply regret that we can no longer provide this cherished and much – in demand – service, we want it clearly understood – especially by the provincial government – that the loss of a meaningful community venue and cultural experience that so many valued and relied upon is another devastating loss to the Miramichi and its citizens. The connections and memories made here will always be treasured.



Dawn Lamkey MacDonald
President of the Highland Society
of New Brunswick at Miramichi

MacDonald Farm Operating Committee

01/17/2025

Can you believe that we’ll be back open for the summer in only 6 months? We’re so excited to see this view again and hope you are too! 🌼

12/17/2024

🎄 Thank You, Miramichi and Surrounding Areas!🎄

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our amazing community for making Christmas at the Farm 2024 such a success! Despite the cold and blustery weather, your incredible support and attendance warmed our hearts and truly made this event special.

The final day was a beautiful reminder of the love and appreciation our community has for The MacDonald Heritage Farm. Thank you for celebrating the season with us and helping keep our heritage alive!

Until next year, stay warm and take care!

– The MacDonald Heritage Farm Committee 🌟

12/16/2024

Another huge thank you to everyone who came out for Santa photos! We loved seeing all your smiling faces… with the occasional baby crying😅
We are so grateful for the support of Christmas at the Farm this season🎄❤️

📸Photos done by Kylee Azelyn Captures

12/15/2024

We’re open until 4pm for our last day of Christmas at the Farm!🎁 Come enjoy a sleigh ride, our decorated house, and a cash canteen with warm food and drinks. Make sure to get photos with Santa himself🎅🏻

12/14/2024

It’s our last night of Christmas at the Farm!🎁 Don’t miss out on your last chance to see our cozy farmhouse all lit up in the dark!🌟 We are open tonight from 6-9pm.

Santa will be back TOMORROW from 1-4pm for our final day of this event🎅🏻 Make sure to stop by for some Santa photos by Kylee Azelyn Captures🎄📸

12/13/2024

Join us for a magical evening at MacDonald Farm tonight! Enjoy sleigh rides, warm treats at the cash canteen, and explore our beautifully decorated house. The holiday spirit awaits from 6-9 PM! 🎄✨

12/09/2024

Thank you to everyone who braved the snow and got photos with Santa 🎅🏻❤️ We hope to see everyone next weekend for some more Christmas fun!