Area residents are invited to mark their calendars for the City of McHenry's "Day at Petersen Farm - Honoring Farm Families" on Sunday, June 24, at 4112 McCullom Lake Road, one mile West of Route 31. This gala celebration is at a farm occupied by the Colby and Petersen families starting in 1830. It was donated to the City to be preserved and developed as a part of our agricultural heritage.
The day will feature music, farm animals, children's games and crafts demonstrations. The famous Windy City Magician, a crowd favorite, will entertain. Tractor-driven hay rides through an oak forest are free. Children can wash clothes with an old wringer washer and hang them on a line. Exhibits include historic photographs, farm equipment, a veterinary demonstration, a home garden, weaving and treadle sewing machines. Visitors will also see demonstrations of canning, cross-stitching, lace-making, carding and spinning. American farm antiques and collectibles will be displayed.
The Farm will open at 10:00 a.m. Entertainment begins at noon and activities conclude at 4:00 p.m. Admission and parking are free. Vendors will be available with refreshments.
The Petersen Farm, along with its outbuildings and oak savannah, is being developed as an agricultural museum and resource center. It will promote tourism within our area and preserve the flavor of life in McHenry County in the 19th and early 20th Centuries. The City of McHenry Landmark Commission supports development of the Farm and helps to enforce the historic preservation ordinance through education, guidance and technical assistance to building restoration efforts by McHenry property owners.