News

Agritourism provides Fall Family Fun

(Richardson's 2013 Corn Maze)

Agritourism is the perfect partnership of family fun and learning in our own community. McHenry County is host to many farms open for fall enjoyment.

Pumpkin patches provide fun for all ages. Bring the whole family to your favorite patch to pick out pumpkins for carving, pies or decorations. Autumn is never complete without apple picking! All Seasons Apple Orchard in Woodstock offers U-Pick apples as well as a pumpkin patch for visitors. Royal Oak Farm Orchard in Harvard offers family entertainment such as a petting zoo, bakery and restaurant.

But don't forget about apple cider! Sunday, October 6th, is the 36th annual Cider Fest hosted by the McHenry County Historical Society. Located on the premises, Cider Fest features harvest demonstrations and cider making.
Farmers Markets offer produce throughout the summer, but most come to a close in October. Now is the perfect time to meet producers from your area and stock up on your favorite fall goodies.

Another fall favorite is visiting a corn maze. McHenry County is home to the World's Largest Corn Maze at Richardson Adventure Farm in Spring Grove. In addition to the corn maze, the Richardson family has a pumpkin patch, pig races, picnic and play areas and much more.

Check out local Agritourism locations near you, click here for additional adventures.   

Ziller Receives Scholarship

Congratulations to Meredith Ziller on receiving the Women's Committee Scholarship.  Meredith is the daughter of Dan and Carol Ziller, who are dairy farmers in McHenry County.  Ziller is a 2013 graduate of Marengo Community High School and is looking to further her education within the Dairy Industry. 

Building a Better Future

The McHenry County Fair is excited to announce that they are in the process of building a new beef barn. After many months of reviewing proposed locations, designs and associated costs the board voted to move forward with the project. To help initiate this effort, several companies, organizations and individuals are providing support. Financial supporters include the Northeast Illinois Cattleman's Association, McHenry County Community Foundation, George Dahm Memorial Fund, and the Fair's Livestock Improvement Fund. Many additional companies have offered materials, labor, and in-kind support. If you are interested in lending a hand with the project or would like to provide some financial support, please contact the McHenry County Fair Association at 815-338-5315 or email them at fairinfo4u@yahoo.com. If you would like to send a donation, please write the check out to McHenry County Fair Foundation and mail it to PO Box 375, Woodstock, IL 60098.

If you are interested in helping with the fair improvements in another way, you can attend the all you can eat chicken dinner the Hebron Helping Hands 4-H club is hosting at Crandall's restaurant in Hebron. The event will be held on Monday, June 17th from 4 to 8 p.m. The dinner includes mashed potatoes, coleslaw, rolls, soft drinks or coffee. You can dine in or carryout your meal. For more information, contact Bruce Meier at bmeier@oawl.net or call 815-405-7043.