GETTYSBURG, PA (February 26, 2020) – Land of Little Horses owners and operators Maggie and Bill Baldwin purchased a 15-acre Highland Township property adjacent to the popular Adams County attraction, aided by a low-interest loan arranged through the Adams Economic Alliance and Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA).

The $185,000, 15-year low-interest (2.75%) loan processed through the Alliance’s Adams County Economic Development Corporation (ACEDC) and PIDA, in partnership with ACNB Bank, assisted Baldwin Family Enterprises, Inc. in the purchase of the property, located at 123-125 Glenwood Drive, Gettysburg.

Land of Little Horses, a performing animal theme park founded about 50 years ago, originally contained the 15-acre parcel, but the property was divided over the years as it transferred between previous owners. It will primarily be used for hay production and pastureland, and it grows the farm’s total acreage from 85 to 100 acres.

“This loan provides many opportunities for the park. By regaining this piece of property, we can restore the park to its former glory,” said Maggie Baldwin. “With 50 horses, another 50 sheep, a herd of goats and many other animals, hay and pastureland is crucial to ensuring their welfare and best possible environment.”

The parcel also contains a farmhouse, which has allowed the Baldwins to hire a full-time, year-round assistant park manager and provide on-site living quarters.

“This is a unique loan, due to its agricultural use which supports an established, successful and beloved Adams County tourism attraction,” said Kaycee Kemper, Alliance Vice President. “Typically, our PIDA loan partners fall into one of three categories—manufacturing, agriculture or tourism. While this is an ag loan, it also helps to support one of the county’s most unique attractions for tourists and residents alike.”

Financing was organized through PIDA by Kemper along with Wayne Steinour, ACNB Bank senior vice president and agribusiness lending manager.

“ACNB Bank believes in building meaningful community relationships in order to help our clients thrive,” Steinour said. “As the Baldwins’ banker for over three years, I thought it made sense to explore options and work together with the Alliance. I believe we have created a great opportunity for the Baldwins—which will also benefit local residents and visitors at Land of Little Horses for years to come.”

The Baldwins purchased Land of Little Horses in 2017 after they both retired from long careers at Gettysburg College. Maggie was the Assistant Director of Communications and Services for 17 years; Bill was the Associate Director of Projects and Facilities for 30 years. Married for 17 years, the couple has two children.

Land of Little Horses was founded in 1971 by Stuart Erikson and Tony Garulo, two merchant marines who imported 25 Falabella miniature horses from Argentina and established the original U.S. Registry for Falabella miniature horses. The Baldwins are the park’s fifth owners.

Land of Little Horses opens to the public on April 10 and offers family-friendly animal shows and encounters, along with a renovated café. The farm’s famous miniature horses have appeared on “America’s Got Talent,” Animal Planet’s “Pet Star,” and numerous national shows and stages over the years. For more information, see landoflittlehorses.com.

“This loan represents what I love about Adams County—the benefits of working and living in a small-town community. We all work together to support each other as community partners. For the Alliance to have the resources available to help small businesses and for ACNB Bank to work to provide the best possible solution for its client are resources for which we can all be grateful,” Maggie said.

The Baldwins’ loan marks the 148th low-interest business loan facilitated by ACEDC—and the 50th agricultural one—since 1996. Also since 1996, ACEDC has secured $31 million+ in total public investment via low-interest loans and grants from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) and $81 million+ in total private investment via local commercial financing.

ACEDC is certified annually by DCED in order to process and administer loan and grant programs for Adams County’s businesses including those in the agricultural sector. Kemper encourages Adams County’s farmers, agribusinesses, manufacturers, aspiring entrepreneurs as well as established businesses to contact her regarding potential loan and grant opportunities. Kemper can be reached at the Alliance at 717-334-0042, ext. 2.

It is the mission of the Adams Economic Alliance to develop and implement creative community-based strategies to enhance economic opportunity and foster a dynamic framework for balanced growth and development through the Adams County Economic Development Corporation, Adams County Industrial Development Authority and Adams County General Authority.

MEDIA CONTACT: KAREN HENDRICKS / HENDRICKS COMMUNICATIONS / 717-253-3553