SYCAMORE, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension DeKalb County has organized a free, family friendly event called the DeKalb County Farm Stroll. It is a self-guided tour of several diversified family farms in DeKalb County held on Saturday, Aug. 17 from noon to 5 p.m. The farms participating in this year’s Farm Stroll are detailed below. There will be tours, demonstrations and of course fresh local food sampling and sales. While the Stroll is a free event, bring some cash to purchase food or other items at the farms.
To make this an enjoyable event for you and your family, here are a few Farm Stroll guidelines:
- Dress appropriately for a farm visit.
- Be sure to follow all the farmer’s instructions and be respectful of all the animals.
- Wash your hands regularly and wear shoe covers if instructed to.
- For the safety of livestock and other participants, do not bring your pets.
- Turn in a completed Farm Stroll Passport at any of the farms for a chance to win prizes.
- Most importantly, be safe and have fun!
There is no start or end-point to the Farm Stroll. Just choose the farms you want to see, gather your friends and family, and enjoy a relaxing, educational and fun afternoon. Come satisfy your local food cravings and curiosities!
Information about each farm and the times of tours and activities are on the brochure and QR code located on the DeKalb County Extension website at web.extension.illinois.edu/bdo. You can also pick up the brochure at the DeKalb County Extension office located at 1350 West Prairie Drive in Sycamore before the event. If you have any questions, please the Extension office at 815-758-8194. See you at the Farm Stroll!
BEEUTIFUL BOUNTY FARMS
13875 Barber Greene Rd, Sycamore, IL
Holistic, sustainable farm specializing in heritage breed American Guinea Hogs, Nigerian Dwarf Goats, honeybees, rabbits, turkeys, and chickens. They sell honey and bee related products, soaps made with goats milk, eggs, and many other farm related products.
WATERMAN WINERY
11582 Waterman Rd, Waterman, IL
Stop in at Waterman Winery to taste some “regional wines”. Cost is $5 to taste five wines. They won’t mind if two of you share the tasting! See a John Deere combine up close in the winery. They offer around 20 varieties of wine unique to northern Illinois!
WALNUT GROVE VOCATIONAL
33600 Pearl St, Kirkland, IL
Walnut Grove is the only greenhouse and farm in northern Illinois where individuals with special needs learn about agriculture and horticulture while raising vegetables, herbs and flowers for sale.
WHISKEY ACRES DISTILLING & CO.
11504 Keslinger Rd, DeKalb, IL
See their production facility, sample products or haveadrinkwhilegazingoutontheunendingfields of corn, wheat and rye. Tours & Tastings cost $10/person (have to be over 21 years), and will be conducted at 2 PM, 4 PM and 6 PM.
GEHRKE FARMSTEAD
15568 Rt. 23, DeKalb IL.
Gehrke’s raise grass fed beef on some the most productive soils in the world. We move our cattle daily to fresh pasture. From freshly weaned calves to 1,300lb. plus animals, they are free of antibiotics, hormones, and chemicals.
THEIS FARMS
6N953 County Line Rd, Maple Park, IL
Theis Farm Market carries a wide variety of bedding and vegetable plants, herbs and perennials. They always carry fresh eggs, homegrown popcorn, honey, syrups and jams.
— University of Illinois Extension
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