Berks County residents gathered on Monday evening, July 7, to celebrate the launch of B.A.R.N.opoly 2025—a summer-long initiative organized by the Berks Agricultural Resource Network (B.A.R.N.) to promote local farms, agribusinesses, and producers throughout the county.
The kickoff celebration was held at Masano Auto Park in Reading, where families and supporters of local agriculture picked up their official game boards, enjoyed refreshments, and mingled with fellow ag enthusiasts. A short ceremony took place at 6:00 p.m., officially opening the fifth annual edition of the event.
Running through Saturday, September 6, B.A.R.N.opoly invites participants to visit farms and ag-related businesses, complete fun challenges, and collect stamps at participating locations across Berks County. Players are encouraged to share their experiences on social media using the hashtag #barnopoly for a chance to win prizes including gift cards, local products, and exclusive agricultural experiences.
Courtney Shober, BARN Ag Project Coordinator, said the program has grown significantly since its creation during the COVID-19 pandemic. “B.A.R.N.opoly was born out of a desire to connect people with local agriculture during the pandemic—and it’s grown into something truly special,” Shober said. “We’re excited to bring it back for our fifth year. It’s now a yearly tradition for some players who have participated since year one!”
This year’s game board includes both returning favorites and new locations such as Katydid Hill, The Westy Bar & Grill, Heart and Hearth, Schuylkill Valley Community Library, Bernville Area Community Library, and Glenside Butterfly Garden. In total, dozens of stops offer families the opportunity to discover fresh, local foods, support the local economy, and learn more about the region’s agricultural heritage.
Following the kickoff celebration, attendees were invited on a special behind-the-scenes tour of Masano Auto Park’s on-site Harvest Moon Aquaponic Farm—one of the unique stops featured on this year’s B.A.R.N.opoly board. Tucked inside the auto facility, the farm blends sustainability with innovation, using aquaponics to grow fresh produce in a closed-loop system that recycles water and nutrients. Originally developed as a response to industrial pollution, the project now serves as a creative example of how agriculture can thrive in unexpected places while promoting environmental responsibility.
Registration is open online at berksag.org/barnopoly, where participants can find full game rules and the complete list of participating locations.
The event continues to highlight the importance of agriculture in everyday life while offering a fun and interactive way for families to explore Berks County this summer.
