What a busy Spring we've had. There's so much going on and it's all good!

Conditional Use Permit
As you know, Stade's Farm and Market filed an application for a conditional use permit. The McHenry County Zoning Board of Appeals voted on the permit on April 27th and it was approved unanimously 7-0. In mid-May, the application then went before the McHenry County Board, which gave its final approval. Thank you to all those who wrote letters to the zoning board, the county board, and the newspapers. Many of you also sent letters of encouragement to us to keep pushing forward for a good cause. All of this gave us the strength and courage to continue on. At times the process (which took two years and great expense) seemed overwhelming and headed for defeat. But thanks to you, we stayed the course and now are able to continue our dream. The main goal of this zoning change was to allow for more product and entertainment options and to allow us to participate in what is commonly known as "agritourism." You will now be able to enjoy our unique farm for eight months of the year.

We are proud to be a tourism destination in McHenry County and will continue to be good neighbors. Throughout all of this, our mission statement has not changed: To provide healthy home-grown farm products, agricultural education, and fine family entertainment all at reasonable prices to our local and surrounding community.

Opening Day
First, our asparagus was ready for our opening day on Saturday, May 1st. We're now open from 9:00 am to 6:30 pm seven days a week all season. We started with asparagus, bedding plants, and honey from our farm; as the season progresses, we will continue to add many many more of our own wonderful products.

Contemporary Outdoor Worship
On Sunday, June 6th at 10:00 am, we held our first outdoor contemporary Christian worship service of 2010!

Community of Faith Lutheran Church in Spring Grove, Illinois hosted the service and Pastor Jim McCoid presented a message entitled: "Where Everybody Knows Your Name." The popular Christian praise band Zeal returned again this year and led us with their incredible music. Local artist Will Krueger continues to be our worship coordinator for the summer series.

I invite you all to the farm to a worship service for a truly unique worship experience. Wherever you are in your walk with God, you will come away feeling like you have "soared on the wings of eagles."

Pick-Your-Own Strawberries
Pick-Your-Own Strawberries began Tuesday, June 8th at Stade's Farm and Market.

Our strawberries are extremely sweet this year. We have 6 acres to pick from and there are more than enough for everybody.

Come to the farm seven days a week, 9:00 am to 6:30 pm, to pick your own or to purchase pre-picked berries. Prices: $1.75 per pound for pick-your-own; $2.75 per pound for pre-picked.

Plan an outing with your family soon ... because of this spring's rainy weather, the strawberry season will only last until about June 20th. If you've never picked your own strawberries, come out for an experience you'll remember.

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