Stade's kicks off sweet-corn season with all-day picnic

From the Friday, July 18, 2008 edition of the Northwest Herald:

Stade's kicks off sweet-corn season with all-day picnic
By DIANA SROKA - dsroka@nwherald.com

JOHNSBURG – If you’ve been craving sweet corn all summer, Stade’s Farm and Market is the place to be Sunday.

The public is invited to feast on the first sweet corn of the season at an all-day picnic from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sunday at Stade’s Farm and Market, 3709 Miller Road, Johnsburg.

“Sunday our sweet corn will be ready,” owner Vern Stade said. “We will roast it here or you can buy it by the dozen.”

Festivities will kick off at 10 a.m. with an outdoor Christian worship service. After the service, picnic-goers can buy burgers, brats, hot dogs, beverages and the main draw, the first of this season’s sweet corn. The corn will be picked from Stade’s fields Sunday morning. An ear of roasted corn will be $1.50. There also will be hay rides, a bounce house and games for children, and music.

“We try to keep everything family- and country-oriented,” Stade said. “Something for mom and dad, and something for the kids.”

Beyond the start of sweet corn season, this weekend is the grand opening of the new farmer’s market facility on the farm; Stade closed the Wilmot Road outdoor farmer’s market.

“It’s all about making neighbors aware of where I’m at,” Stade said.

The Miller Road market is indoors, so the produce stays fresher, Stade said.

He also said from onions and potatoes to broccoli and green beans, there will be plenty of fresh produce for sale.

Stade said he hoped that Sunday’s festivities will be as educational as they are entertaining.

“I hope they enjoy a day in the country, on an actual working farm,” he said. “There’s not a whole lot of places you can do that around here.”

For information, call 815-675-6396 or visit stadesfarmandmarket.com

If you go
What: Opening Day Picnic at Stade’s Farm.

When: 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sunday.

Where: Stade’s Farm and Market, 3709 Miller Road, Johnsburg.

Cost: Admission and parking is free. Food, beverages and corn are available for purchase. Varying fees charged for hay ride, other attractions.