September 2023

Richardson Farm offers a massive variety of on-farm excitement for all ages. Sure, we have the world’s largest and most intricate corn maze... but we have so much more to experience. Come visit our wide open spaces and build memories that last a lifetime!

Richardson Farm offers a massive variety of on-farm excitement for all ages. Sure, we have the world’s largest and most intricate corn maze... but we have so much more to experience. Come visit our wide open spaces and build memories that last a lifetime!

Train Rides & Campfires

Area, Concessions & Beer Garden

Outside Time

Spend enough time around farmers and you start to hear a recurring line: Lots of kids don’t know where their food comes from.

This blows my mind. For my whole life, we’ve been digging in the dirt. As children, we helped Dad plant his lettuce, spinach, carrots, pumpkins – and then we delighted in harvesting as the crop ripened.

My kids, too, spend many a weekend playing in the dirt. From the time they, too, were little, they’d strap on their blue galoshes and help me plant the beans, lettuce, flowers, you name it. They started seeds in our planters and were right there to turn over the compost in the garden. And they were there to yank the beans off the vine, load the squash into a bucket, rip off a chunk of oregano for dinner and enjoy a few spoils from their hard work.

Consequently, our table is always full of fresh fruits and vegetables. When we head to the farmers market, it’s rare our kids don’t recognize what they see.

Even if our small suburban yard wasn’t covered in greenery, our children still have ways to connect with the land. It’s not just the nature preserves – in our neighborhoods and in the country – where we regularly hike.

For years, I’ve said this part of suburbia has the best of both worlds: Drive a few minutes one way and you’re in an urban landscape. A few minutes the other way, and it’s nothing but cornfields, horses and barns. Places like Richardson Adventure Farm, Primrose Farm, Kuipers Farm and your favorite apple orchards offer a great taste of the rural life, too.

The kids ask me every summer to go camping. Sometimes, an overnight in the backyard is all our schedule affords, but it’s more than enough to feel invigorated with plenty of fresh air, sunlight and happy feelings.

These waning days of summer are a powerful reminder of our connection to the land and the importance of soaking up these warm days for as long as they last. And for some of us, it’s a deep connection we continue to nurture.

Chris Linden Executive Editor

Leaves are Falling, Farm is Calling

By Jermaine Pigee

It’s OK to admit it: Fall is one of the best times of the year, and for good reason. Cooler temperatures, mysterious corn mazes and those apple cider doughnuts are just part of the fun.

Spend a day at Richardson Adventure Farm, in Spring Grove, and you’ll be able to squeeze all of it into one outing.

Through Oct. 29 this year, the farm offers up a corn maze, wagon rides, train rides, access to the sunflower fields and dozens of other activities with admission.

One of the main attractions is a corn maze spanning more than 28 acres with 10 miles of trail. In years past, corn maze designs have been inspired by Star Trek, The Beatles, the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago Bears, among others. This year, it’s a dinosaur theme.

Kids can get in on the fun with two kinds of mazes. One only has left turns and one only has right turns.

“We did this because if a mom has two young kids and she doesn’t want to worry about them getting lost, she can take this trail since you only make left or right turns and you come right out,” says George Richardson, farm co-owner.

If you see a figure flying high above, it’s not a bird or a plane; it’s someone riding a zipline. Guests can climb the observation tower to soar down a 700-footlong zipline.

“For $16, it’s a very fun ride and it’s entertaining to watch the zipliners gliding over your head all day long,” says Ryan Richardson, farm co-owner. “All of the people who operate the ziplines are our employees and they go through annual training and certification.”

Snoop Pigg, Taylor Swiftfoot and their friends have a muddy good time as they race around the pig race track on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

“[My wife] Wendy and I do most of the pig races every two hours with live pigs,” says George Richardson. “Each pig gets their own musical introduction, and my wife and I do some funny banter, so that’s entertaining.”

No autumn is ever complete without a trip to the farm.

“Our farm is just about having fun on a fall day,” Richardson says.

Go to richardsonadventurefarm.com for hours, pricing and information. ❚

Richardson Adventure Farm is located at 909 English Prairie Road, in Spring Grove, (815) 675-9729.

Of Human Value

Insocieties that tolerate slavery, human beings put prices on one another. This evokes a sense of outrage from those who don’t tolerate slavery, as well it should.

And yet in “more civilized” societies, humans still tend to regard some people as more valuable than others. People with great wealth, beauty or talent, for example, are often treated with greater deference than the poor and plain, even in our churches. And how easy it is to simply dismiss some folks as being “beyond help.”

This is the way of man, but it’s not the way of Jesus Christ, who taught his disciples to love people regardless of their circumstances. “Love your neighbor as your self,” he instructed in Luke 10:27.

Listening to this was an expert in the law “who wanted to justify himself.” He asked: “And who is my neighbor?”

In reply, Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite [of priestly Hebrew lineage], when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan [Samaritans were despised by Jewish leaders of that time period], as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’

“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”

The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”

Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10:30-37)

And so must we, if we’re to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ. ❚

– Janine Pumilia

Tips for a Successful Start to Your Remodel

By Chris Linden, executive editor

One of the most important decisions in a remodel involves who you hire.

For many homeowners, the choice is easy: design-build firms bring design and construction in-house with a quoting process upfront. Perhaps the biggest advantage to firms like Hogan Design & Construction, in Geneva, is that there’s little guesstimating.

“We have the ability to really understand your pricing. That’s a huge advantage,” says Brad Hogan, COO. “A lot of contractors doing the three-bid process are putting allowances into everything. So, there’s an allowance for cabinets and countertops and backsplashes and faucets and lighting. What happens is that every time your selection goes over the allowance, your project costs get higher.”

That’s not as likely with designbuild because every step of the process is closely managed by a cohesive team.

When clients call for a consultation, Hogan makes an at-home visit. He asks lots of questions – what works in the home, what doesn’t, what needs do you have? Based on those answers, he can share common price points that reflect past jobs. If clients like what they see, then it’s time to sign a design contract, which kicks off the process of selecting materials and laying out the kitchen, bathroom or other space. There’s also a walk-through involving Hogan, a project manager and several tradesmen, who review the scope of labor. Then, it’s time for the final quote.

It’s important to hire the right remodeling firm for your needs, and there are several signals that you’re in good hands, says Hogan. Communication and collaboration are top of mind.

When the Hogan Design & Construction team was approached by a Wheaton

couple with unusual design tastes, Hogan’s team landed the job in part by putting the client first.

“They had interviewed several design firms, but they chose us because we told them, ‘We can push our taste onto your project, but if that’s not what you want, that’s not what we’re going to do,’” recalls Hogan. “We’re going to do what you want so that it fits your taste.” ❚

Hogan Design & Construction is located at 21 N. Sixth St. in Geneva.

(Hogan Design & Construction photo)

Marking 30 Years of Johnny Appleseed Fun

By Chris Linden, executive editor

This year marks a special occasion for an event that’s become a beloved fall tradition in Crystal Lake. As the Johnny Appleseed Festival marks its 30th anniversary on Sept. 30, the streets of downtown Crystal Lake come alive for a day of unforgettable fun.

“I think Johnny Appleseed Festival is one of the most wonderful days in Crystal Lake,” says Lynn Reckamp, executive director of Downtown Crystal Lake, which organizes the event.

Nearly 8,500 people turned out for last year’s festival as it spilled across the streets of downtown. Reckamp believes this year could be just as big, as the festival takes up new traditions and refreshes old ones. At the Brink Street Market parking lot, look for family activities including a petting zoo, a bouncy house playground and a variety of children’s games, from ring toss and lollipop pull to apple

picking. Last year, volunteers handed out more than 3,500 prizes to children.

Down at Depot Park, look for a craft fair with more than 30 vendors and the McHenry County Historical Society, which brings its old-fashioned apple peelers for hands-on demonstrations.

Entertainment abounds, with live music staged at Depot Park and Brink Street Market and a DJ playing music on Brink Street. A stilt walker gets laughs and a balloon artist surprises children with his creations.

But it’s the namesake of the festival – Johnny Appleseed himself – that really gets the kids talking. Every year, an actor brings to life the American folk hero who’s remembered for planting apple trees on his trek through the American wilderness. Though this actor doesn’t wear the signature mush pan atop his head, he does play the part authentically.

“He truly gets into his character,” says Reckamp.

This year’s 30th annual event runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 30 in downtown Crystal Lake. Parking is free in numerous lots around town.

“The world really needs more Johnny Appleseeds,” says Reckamp. “It’s such a staple in our community. I think people just love it.” ❚

For information, contact Downtown Crystal Lake at (815) 479-0835. or go online to downtowncl.org.

Try a Slice of Rural Life at Primrose Farm

By Peggy Werner

Primrose

Farm in St. Charles is a living history farm, which means its goal is to educate and entertain while preserving the past. But it’s also serving the community through farming activities as people learn about agriculture.

“Our target audience is anyone who wants to learn more about farming and agriculture,” says Alison Jones, manager of farm programs and interactive services.

“A lot of people don’t know where their food comes from and the work it takes to produce it.”

Currently, the 100-acre farm consists of nine buildings, most of which support Primrose Farm’s resident animals, including five cows, four goats, four sheep, two donkeys, one Belgian Draft Horse and dozens of free-range chickens.

The farm also has an orchard and raises honeybees, while tenant farmers grow corn and soybeans.

Visitors love to watch the animals, but they also enjoy learning about the farm through a hands-on experience. Watch the cows being milked, observe how grain is processed into livestock feed, see hay being loaded, the orchard being cared for, and food being cooked on a wood stove.

Then, try your hand at it. Adults and children can sign up to help with milking

cows, gathering farm-fresh eggs straight from the nest, feeding the goats and chickens, and learning basic grooming techniques for horses.

The animals have two scheduled feeding times, from 8-9 a.m. and 2-3 p.m. daily. Additionally, the animals will head to the pasture, weather permitting.

One thing people find most interesting, Jones says, is just how much food the animals need to live. Dairy cows eat 4-5% of their body weight each day, which means a cow weighing 1,000 pounds needs 40-50 pounds of feed per day. A horse needs about half that much, so if it weighs 2,000 pounds it, too, needs 40-50 pounds of food per day.

“We carefully watch the animals to make sure they are responding to normal activity around the farm,” says Jones. “Most animals are not good about letting you know when they don’t feel well, but

some of the signs are not eating well, being lethargic and not moving around as much.”

Primrose Farm hosts drop-in programs, parent and child classes, special events, school and Scout programs, community garden plots, several miles of multi-use trails and antique equipment.

FulBuschel Farm and Produce operates a farm stand from 3-7 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays and from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays. Their crops are raised following organic farming practices and are grown on site.

Additionally, Primrose Farm was recently awarded a grant for a new 3,500-square-foot educational building that will have classrooms and rental space for teacher and business meetings. It will also have amenities that aren’t now available, such as restrooms for staff and the general public, a full kitchen and heated classrooms. Groundbreaking just occurred, with the building expected to be complete by next July.

“We have had to cancel programming when the weather is bad. With the new building, we can move everything inside and continue as planned,” Jones says.

The top three changes in farming in modern times are the automation of farm equipment, robotic and computerized milking machines, and feed production. Crops have been bred to resist disease and drought for higher yields.

Stepping onto this farm is a journey back in time. Primrose Farm traces its beginnings to the fall of 1839, when James and John Thompson began surveying land

that would later become St. Charles Township. An adjacent prairie was seen as the perfect place for farming.

They plowed under native plants, installed drain tiles, built fences to keep livestock, and introduced new plant and tree species.

Primrose Farm has changed hands many times over the years, but it’s always been zoned for agriculture.

When the St. Charles Park District acquired the land in the mid ’90s, the agreement stated it was to be used solely for educational purposes, Jones says.

“Our specific mission is to show the impact of technology and social change on the lands and farm families of the Fox Valley,” Jones says. “Because the site includes one of the original farmsteads established in the late 1830s, we can discuss more than 150 years of agricultural history.” ❚

Primrose Farm is located at 5N726 Crane Road in St. Charles, (630) 5134370, primrosefarm.org.

(St. Charles Park District photos)

A Homecoming at Eagle Ridge Resort

By Paula Hendrickson

Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa, in the Galena Territory, has provided luxury accommodations and exceptional food for over 40 years. Its award-winning restaurant, The Woodlands Restaurant and Lounge, is known for offering fine dining at reasonable prices.

Eagle Ridge Executive Chef Randy Hoppman recently hired chef Chad Myers as The Woodlands’ new Chef de Cuisine. It’s a homecoming of sorts for Myers, who did an externship at Eagle Ridge in 2005 when completing his studies at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Minnesota. He impressed Hoppman, then went on to hone his skills at restaurants and country clubs along the Mississippi River Valley.

“I gave him the reins to let him do his own thing,” says Hoppman. “He has a passion for not just making food taste good, but for making it look picturesque.”

From his previous experience at The Woodlands, Myers understands the core elements diners expect, yet he also loves testing new dishes.

Some items – like Hoppman’s signature smoked corn and sausage chowder – are staples, but four times per year the chefs create new seasonal menus that center around fresh, local ingredients. Whether you want an extravagant night out or a delicious dinner, The Woodlands’ menu accommodates every palate. Comfort foods include meltin-your-mouth braised short ribs, fried half-chicken, Cobb salad and the famed Territory Burger: a half-pound Black Angus burger on brioche topped with housemade American cheese, hand-cut bacon, shaved onion, lettuce, a special sauce, juicy tomato jam and fried pickles.

Diners love the chefs’ twists on foods like filet mignon, Berkshire

tomahawk pork chop, rosemary crusted rack of lamb and salmon gremolata. The menu also features grilled lobster tail and ravioli, blackened ahi tuna nachos, and vegetarian and gluten-free options.

“We always try to keep our high standards up,” says Hoppman, adding that he anticipates Myers’ creativity, attention to detail and ability to stay ahead of trends will elevate those standards.

“He knew we were looking for a chef. And it was a perfect fit to keep our standards high, local, fresh and creative.”

The Woodlands is open daily from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. ❚

Quick and Easy Keto-Friendly Meal Ideas

For many who want to make dietary changes, weight loss is a primary concern. Because the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend 45-65% of daily calories come from carbohydrates, an eating plan like the ketogenic diet (or keto, for short), which involves consuming a low amount of carbs and replacing them with healthy fats, can be a wise choice.

Replacing carb intake with fat puts your body in a metabolic state called ketosis, which makes you more efficient at burning fat for energy. The keto diet can help reduce blood sugar and insulin levels.

Those following the keto plan typically reduce or avoid bread, pasta and rice. So, Toufayan Bakeries has introduced a line of keto-friendly wraps, pitas and flatbreads that are high in fiber and protein with no sugar and fewer carbs.

These two recipes from chef George Duran build on Toufayan’s products. Find more recipes at Toufayan.com.

Keto Enchilada Quesadilla

Rotisserie chicken, pulled and chopped Enchilada sauce

Olive oil

Toufayan Bakeries Keto Wraps

Tex-Mex cheese, grated Jarred or fresh jalapenos, thinly sliced Cilantro, chopped Salsa, for serving

In bowl, mix pulled chicken and enchilada sauce until fully covered. Set aside. Spray or brush olive oil on both sides of keto wrap and place on nonstick pan or skillet over medium heat. Once wrap is heated on one side, flip and heavily top entire wrap with grated cheese. Allow cheese to melt, then disperse chicken mixture, sliced jalapenos and chopped cilantro on half of wrap. Fold wrap over ingredients and cook until quesadilla is golden brown on both sides. Cut into triangles and serve with salsa.

Keto Egg and Sausage Flatbread

1 Toufayan Keto Flatbread

1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

2 cooked sausage links (approximately 2 ounces each), cut into pieces

1/4 cup thinly sliced red bell pepper

1 large egg

1 tablespoon fresh chives salt and pepper, to taste

Preheat oven to broil.

On foil-lined baking sheet, cover flatbread with mozzarella cheese; add sausage and pepper. Crack egg in center of flatbread and broil 5-8 minutes, or until egg is cooked to desired firmness. Remove from oven and top with chives. Season with salt and pepper, and serve. ❚

(Family Features)

Caring for a Loved One? It’s OK to Seek Help

By Steven Bonifazi, assistant editor

Caring for a loved one with dementia can leave caregivers feeling isolated and overwhelmed. Luckily, there are ways to alleviate some of that stress and find a little support.

First, it’s important to recognize that there is help available. Nonprofit organizations and your local municipality are a good place to start, because they’re connected with a wealth of resources in the community, says Kelsey Burback, director of sales and marketing at Encore Memory Care, which offers fulltime residential care for people who have early, mid-stage and advanced Alzheimer’s disease with locations in South Barrington and Crystal Lake.

“Part of my job is outreach, so I’m very connected with areas like the village of Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates and the Barrington Area Council on Aging,” she adds. “It does take a village.”

It’s also important to know you’re not alone. Annually, more than 16 million Americans provide more than 17 billion hours of unpaid care for family and friends with dementia, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

At communities like Encore Memory Care, support groups offer a patient ear and a helping hand to help caregivers avoid feelings of burnout. Encore’s Crystal Lake group meets on the third Monday of every month and Encore’s South Barrington group meets on the fourth Wednesday of every month. These meetings are open to the general public and those with family members at Encore. People who attend the group find emotional support, practical advice and a sense of community.

Burnout is common among those who are caring for a loved one at home, and typical signs include impatience,

fatigue and changes in eating and sleeping patterns, Burback says. She encourages caregivers to seek assistance when things get challenging. That’s why support groups exist.

“Don’t be afraid to reach out,” says Burback. “There are places that are here to help. Our priority is helping families, whether they move their loved one to Encore or not.” ❚

Encore Memory Care is located at 215 Bartlett Road, in South Barrington, (847) 955-1205, and 495 Alexandra Boulevard, in Crystal Lake, (815) 459-7800.

Beagles Go from Rescue to Reunion

By Steven Bonifazi, assistant editor

In a world often characterized by numbers, statistics and impersonal transactions, too few moments remind us of the beauty in connecting with individuals. This rings true for Kevin Keefe, owner of Brilliance Honda in Crystal Lake and Brilliance Subaru in Elgin.

For the past two years, Keefe has worked alongside Elgin’s Anderson Humane to help more than 600 rescue dogs find their forever home.

Anderson Humane provides services including low-cost spaying and neutering, in-home pet care assistance, training classes and resources. Each year, shelters in South Elgin, Algonquin, North Aurora and Bloomingdale facilitate a combined 4,000 pet adoptions.

Among those numbers are more than 150 beagles who’ve found a forever home. A reunion event this past August brought the beagles and their new owners together.

Their story begins in July 2022 when Anderson Humane helped to rescue some of the 4,000 beagles discovered at the Envigo breeding and research facility in Cumberland, Va. Brilliance Subaru provided vehicles to bring more than 150 of the maltreated dogs back to Elgin.

Anderson Humane and Brilliance Subaru have been working together since early 2021, when one of Keefe’s sales managers suggested bringing rescue dogs into the retail environment.

Soon after that first introduction, Keefe’s daughter Kelly, who serves as director of marketing and advertising, introduced the Rescue Dog of the Day, where one animal got a day to play at the dealership. A few months later, Keefe helped Anderson Humane to rescue more than 130 dogs from Oklahoma.

These days, adoption events are becoming a tradition at Brilliance

Subaru. The next occasion, the October Mega Adoption Event, is the second of its kind this year and the fourth to date. In preparation for the event, which runs Oct. 14 and 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Keefe plans to once again pack up volunteers and rescue a fresh collection of animals who need a loving home.

“When a dog gets adopted, we celebrate because that connection is something we can’t get enough of,” says Keefe. ❚

Brilliance Subaru is located at 1500 N. Randall Road, in Elgin.

How to Make the Most of Physical Therapy

By Chris Linden, executive editor

Recovery from an injury or illness is a journey, and the right mindset can make all the difference. That’s especially true when you face physical therapy.

“I think some people are hesitant about physical therapy because there’s an assumption that it’s going to hurt,” says Bill Strawniak, PT, co-director of physical therapy at Fox Valley Orthopedics (FVO). “We always tell patients that if they’re progressing they should never hurt in physical therapy.”

After all, the goal is to relieve your underlying source of pain, whether that’s following an injury, a joint replacement or a condition like plantar fasciitis.

Along with the right mindset, it helps to have an objective.

“It’s nice to hear when patients have specific goals, including activities they want to get back to doing,” says

and saying, ‘What can I do to get myself better?’ Those are the patients who will have the better, quicker success.”

Physical therapists like Strawniak and the team at FVO, who work at nine suburban clinics, have a wide range of tactics, from manual therapy and stretching/strengthening exercises to dry needling and kinetic taping. Therapy sessions often involve some combination of these, including the use of treadmills, ellipticals and resistance exercises using therapy bands or free weights. Therapists will also assign exercises to do at home.

“If you’re trying to relieve pain or increase your range of motion, you should be doing these exercises, because they’re designed to help you move better and feel better,” says Strawniak. “In the event that you do it at home and you do feel pain,

Physical therapy ought to help you regain your former lifestyle. While things may not be exactly the same, health care providers are doing their part to ensure patients can look forward to an active future.

“When it comes to joint replacements, materials are better now and doctors are saying, ‘If this is what the patient wants to get back to doing and this is what they love, then let them get back to it,’” says Strawniak. ❚

An Action-Packed Broadway Lineup

By Steven Bonifazi, assistant editor

Downtown

Aurora’s beloved arts center presents an exhilarating fall lineup of Broadway performances sure to entice anyone. Since its inception, Paramount’s Broadway Series has blossomed into one of the largest subscription theaters in the U.S., with a current base of 36,000 subscribers.

“Our job is to bring people together when it’s most needed and have them experience the arts,” says Tim Rater, President and CEO of the Aurora Civic Center Authority, which oversees Paramount. “We’re part of a community that does a lot of artistic endeavors and we don’t see any end in sight for that. This is just the beginning.”

The 12th season of this awardwinning series has already kicked off with a bang, as it presents “Little Shop of Horrors,” running now through Oct. 15. The cult-classic musical stars a flesh-

eating plant and a cast of memorable characters whose songs are just as unforgettable.

Up next, the Roald Dahl classic “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” comes to the stage Nov. 8 through Jan. 14. Following the tale of Charlie Bucket, his Grandpa Joe, and a cast of spoiledrotten children, the show takes visitors on a tour of the world’s most magical chocolate factory.

The series resumes in the new year with “Billy Elliot: The Musical” from Feb. 7 to March 24. Written by Lee Hall, with music by Elton John, the Tony Award-winning story explores the choice between personal dreams and societal expectations through the mind of 11-yearold Billy Elliot, who discovers his passion for dance during boxing lessons.

Finally, “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical,” which runs April 24 to June

16, closes out the season with a tribute to Carole King’s iconic compositions such as “You’ve Got a Friend” and “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.” The show traces King’s journey from a young Brooklyn songwriter to her stature as a famous singer, songwriter and musician. For tickets and the latest information, head to paramountaurora.com. ❚

Paramount Theatre is located at 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. Contact the box office at (630) 896-6666.

(Amy Nelson photo)

A Taste of Fall Comes to Kuipers Farm

By Katie Gray

Living in northern Illinois comes with many perks, and one of them is a front-row seat to the gradual, magical transition from summer to fall. For Kim Kuipers, co-owner of Kuipers Family Farm in Maple Park, this time of year also means opening up her family’s 230acre farm for all to enjoy.

“We connect people to agriculture and each other,” Kuipers says. “It’s all about coming together as a group and enjoying the wonderful agriculture that the Midwest has to offer.”

Each year, the Kuipers team adds to the farm’s offerings to create a memorable experience for everyone. This year, changes include a larger bar for the over21 crowd, even more fall flowers and a new way to tour the property.

Elburn-based Obscurity Brewing returns with its hit apple cider doughnut beer and a new variety: pumpkin beer.

Both are expected to sell out quickly.

The Sunflower Festival is also back again. The field contains more than 20 sunflower varieties and sets the perfect backdrop for photos. It’s also more colorful this year, with several acres of zinnias planted alongside.

Of course, all of Kuipers Farm’s usual family favorites return this fall, including the Farmview Railway Train, jumping pillow and apple blasters.

Also returning this year are the pig races and live musicians. Any day of the week, visitors can also ride down the mountain slide, get lost in the corn maze, visit the cute farm animals and climb on the “crazy combine.”

No trip to Kuipers Family Farm would be complete without a stroll

through the Orchard Shop, where there are locally produced gifts and other items including made-from-scratch treats such as doughnuts, pies, cider and apples harvested right on the farm.

The fall season runs Aug. 26 to Oct. 31, with activities every day. The store remains open with reduced hours from Nov. 2 until the day before Thanksgiving.

“It’s a great place to come out, stay connected to agriculture and enjoy each other’s company,” Kuipers says. ❚

Kuipers Family Farm is located at 1N145 Watson Road in Maple Park, (815) 827-5200.

‘Little Shop of Horrors’

Through Oct. 15, see website for times. A flesheating plant uses a hapless floral designer. Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, (630) 896-6666, paramountaurora.com.

Huntley Farmers Market

Through Oct. 29, Sat. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. A wide variety of products including produce, Polish food and coffee beans. Downtown Huntley, 11704 Coral St., (815) 515-5200, huntley.il.us.

Woodstock Farmers Market

Through Oct. 29, Tues. & Sat. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Everything from veggies, fruits and cheeses to handmade spun yarn. Location: Historic Woodstock Square, woodstockfarmersmarket.org.

Farmers Market+ at The Dole

Through Oct. 30, Sun. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Fun, family activities, local produce and artistic creations. The Dole, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake, (815) 307-4787, farmersmarketatthedole.com.

Heirloom Apple Fest

Sept. 17, 1-4 p.m. Learn about heritage varieties you won’t see in the grocery store. Durant House Museum, 37W700 Dean St., St. Charles, (630) 377-6424, ppfv.org.

Entertainment & Events

Music Under the Trees: Galway Gals

Sept. 21, 6-9 p.m. A blend of traditional Irish folk music with songs by modern Irish pop artists. The Dole, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake, (815) 455-8000, thedole.org.

Barrington 3rd Thursdays Art Night Out

Sept. 21, 6-8 p.m. Features realist painter Cindy Marrazzo. Barrington’s White House, 145 W. Main St., Barrington, (224) 512-4284.

2023 Annual Elgin Short Film Festival

Sept. 23, 7-10 p.m. See a selection of juried films, each no longer than 20 minutes. Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin, (847) 931-5900, hemmens.org.

Hector Anchondo

Sept. 23, 7 p.m. The 2020 International Blues Challenge winner performs. Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.

Johnny Appleseed Festival

Sept. 30, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Includes the Great Ball Race, pony rides, wagon rides, pumpkin train, children’s games, live music, craft fair and Johnny Appleseed himself. Downtown Crystal Lake, (815) 479-0835, downtowncl.org.

Kane County Flea Market

Sept. 30-Oct. 1, Sat. noon-5 p.m., Sun. 7 a.m.-4 p.m. More than 600 dealers appear. Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles, (630) 584-6926, kanecountyfleamarket.com.

ESO: Listener’s Club

Oct. 3-4, Tues. 1 p.m., Wed. noon. Delve deep into the concert experience. Tuesday: Barrington Area Library, 505 N. Northwest Hwy., Barrington. Wednesday: Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin, elginsymphony.org.

Scarecrow Weekend

Oct. 6-8. More than 85 scarecrows on showcase, Family Zone and Autumn on the Fox Craft Show. Lincoln Park, 450 W. Main St., St. Charles, (630) 443-3967, scarecrowfest.com.

Woodstock Ale Fest

Oct. 7, 1-5 p.m. Celebrate craft breweries within 100 miles of Woodstock. Corner of Clay and Newell streets, Woodstock, woodstockalefest.org.

ESO: Opening Weekend

Oct. 7-8, Fri. 7:30 p.m., Sat. 2:30 p.m. Features Mozart, Strauss and Rachmaninoff. Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin, (847) 888-4000, elginsymphony.com. ❚