LAKE CITY, Minn. — On-the-farm events have grown in popularity in recent years, with Breakfasts on the Farm and Family Nights on the Farm attracting increasing numbers of people interested in a fun, family-friendly, educational event.
Wabasha County farmers didn't have an event until a group of like-minded people got together and started talking. The core group came together last summer and have taken an idea and turned it into Wabasha County's first Family Night on the Farm, said Dori Klein, a member of the core planning group.
The event is planned for 4 to 9 p.m. June 25 at Klein's Cow Palace, 69363 County Road 2, Lake City. Dean and Lois Klein and their son and daughter-in-law, Eric and Chassidy, are hosts for the event. Their daughters, Jamie, Melissa and Nicole, will attend with their families.
The Kleins milk 400 Holsteins three times per day in a double-10 parallel parlor. It takes five and a half hours to milk, Eric said. Milking times are 4 a.m., noon and 8 p.m. Visitors who want to see milking in progess should arrive before 5:30 p.m. or at 8 p.m.
The event will include childrens' activities, a machinery display, educational displays and a farm animal petting area staffed by Wabasha County FFA members. Commodity groups and members of Farmers Union and Farm Bureau will answer questions and promote products. Maizey the mascot is expected to make an appearance.
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A number of the Klein's agricultural equipment suppliers will have booths and will be there to answer questions. The nutritionist will talk about feed storage, and the milk equipment dealer will explain milking procedure, Dean said. Wabasha County sheriff's deputies will be there. Dairy princesses from both Goodhue and Wabasha counties will greet attendees.
Family Night on the Farm is free, but there is a $5 charge for the meal of a shredded beef sandwich, mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetable, apple and ice cream treat. There will also be milk, water and coffee. Snacks include cheese curds and licorice.
Much of the meal is locally sourced, with Wescott Orchard of Elgin supplying the apples and the vegetable coming from Lakeside Foods in Plainview. The Kleins raise peas for Lakeside. Plainview Milk Products and Kwik Trip are contributing milk. Huettl's, of Lake City, is catering.
Planners are shooting for 400 people, Dean said.
"They really have no idea," Lois said. Food will be served from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., while supplies last.
Family Night on the Farm is on the eve of Lake City's Water Ski Days from June 26-28. They are promoting the events together, Lois said, as people coming to town for Water Ski Days may want to come five miles out to the farm Thursday night.
Radio stations KLCH Lake Hits 95, of Lake City, and WBHA FM 99.7 will broadcast live from the farm from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Attendees are encouraged to park at Bluffview Elementary School in Lake City and ride the free shuttle bus to the farm. The bus departs every half hour beginning at 4 p.m. from the school's front parking lot at 1156 W. Lakewood Ave.
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The Kleins were approached about hosting in January, Lois said. They've hosted graduations and wedding receptions on the farm before, so hosting an event is not totally new, but opening their farm to the public is a new experience.
Dean said he wants to share with the public how they care for their animals, and Lois said she wants to show farmers don't fit the image portrayed on TV.
"People hear the negatives on TV all the time," she said. "We want to promote the positive."
"We wanted to give back to the community and give them an opportunity to see what we do here," Eric said.
A lot of people want to know more about where their food comes from, and Family Night on the Farm is a way to find out, Dean said.
After making hay this week, the Kleins intend to get everything polished up and ready for company, Dean said.
When: 4 to 9 p.m. June 25
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Where: Klein's Cow Palace, 69363 Wabasha County Rd 2, Lake City
Parking: Board the free shuttle bus at Bluffview Elementary School front parking lot, 1156 W. Lakewood Ave., Lake City. The bus departs every half hour. On-farm parking might be limited.
Meal: Shredded beef sandwich, mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetable, apple and ice cream treat available for $5 from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. or until gone.
Activities: Parlor tour, farm machinery display, farm animal petting area, agricultural education displays and children's activities.
On the air: Radio stations KLCH Lake Hits 95, of Lake City, and WBHA FM 99.7, of Wabasha, will broadcast live from the farm from 3 to 7 p.m.
