Home -->
Horticulture Field Day
Thursday, June 14, 2011
Kuipers Family Farm - 1N318 Watson Rd, Maple Park, IL
Kuipers Family Farm located near Maple Park, will be the host for the 2012 Summer Horticulture Field Day on Thursday, June 14. Wade and Kim Kuipers along with their three children Tess (age 19), Joe (age 16), and Will (age 14), welcome growers to the 230 acre entertainment farm. The Kuipers began operations in 1998 when they opened a 71 acre pumpkin patch. Shortly thereafter, they purchased the Pine-Apple Orchard just across the road, formerly owned by Tom and Dorothy Milnamow. Kuipers have added several buildings since starting operations in 1998 to house the many entertainment and "things-to-do" activities. It is a true fun farm for the family.
The orchard and pumpkin patch opens in September through December and offers plenty to do for any visitor. It begins with the pick-your-own orchard and pumpkins; an orchard shop and bakery with many foods (smell the aroma of fresh apple cider doughnuts, home-baked pies, fudge, pasteurized apple cider and hand-spun caramel apples); and the Barn Store that offers gift items including unique fall decorations. Fun activities include a corn maize, hayrides, farm animal petting zoo, pony rides, a haunted forest, tractor tire mountain, peddle tractor derby, nature walk, and jumping pillows to name a few. Kuipers' is also the place to go for special events such as a cancer fund raiser and many fall festivities. The season concludes with cutting of Christmas trees complete with visits by Santa Claus. Then throughout the remainder of the year time is spent planning and preparing for the next season.
The field day will wrap-up with a visit to the Aquaviva winery/vineyard/restaurant located a short distance from Kuipers. Owners Vito and Joe Brandonisio will lead a tour of the state of the art winery. Aquaviva is an award winning winemaking production center, wine bar, market, and an Italian cuisine restaurant with beautiful artwork, that's a favorite dining stop for Chicagoians.
For more information and/or reservations contact Don Naylor, Executive Secretary at 309/828-8929, 309/530-7678 (cell), email at ilsthortsoc@yahoo.com, or mail a check for $25 per person for advance reservations to: I.S.H.S., 15962 Old Orchard Rd, Bloomington, IL 61705. Advance reservation deadline is on or before June 12. Registration at door is $30.
Tentative Agenda | |
|---|---|
8:00 A.M. | Registration |
8:30 A.M. | Welcome |
8:45-11:30 A.M. | Field Tours (Walking-Wagon Tours)
Crops Covered: Apples, Pumpkins, Christmas Trees |
12:00-2:00 P.M. | Lunch and Lunch-Time Presentations |
2:15 approx | Tour: Aquaviva Winery |
Sponsored by: The Illinois State Horticultural Society, The University of Illinois, The Illinois Specialty Growers Association. | |
Registration: Pre-registration donation is $25 per person. $30 at the door. Pre-registrations accepted by phone at 309/530-7678 (cell), 309/828-8929, at ilsthortsoc@yahoo.com, then pay upon arrival. Advance reservations are appreciated. Please pre-register on or before June 12. On-site registration begins at 8:00 a.m. on June 14. Children under 12 are free.
Directions: From Geneva take Route 38 West for approx. 8 miles and just past Aquaviva turn left onto Watson Road. From the West, take Ill State Route 38 East of Dekalb to Watson Road just East of Maple Park, turn right (South) for ¼ mile.
More Information: To pre-register, additional information, or hotels, contact: Don H. Naylor, Executive Secretary, 15962 Old Orchard Road, Bloomington, IL 61705, 309/530-7678, email: ilsthortsoc@yahoo.com. For additional information on presentations, contact Mohammad Babadoost phone: 217/333-1523 or email: babadoos@illinois.edu.
Sponsored by: The Illinois State Horticultural Society, The University of Illinois, The Illinois Specialty Growers Association.