March/April 2023 Spirit 2

SPRING HAS ON THE Sprung Chain

VISIT THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY SEE THE TULIPS

LOOK FOR MAPLE SYRUP

Lake County Forest Preserves offering maple syrup programs throughout March

For more than 40 years, educators and volunteers at the Lake County Forest Preserves have led wildly popular Maple Syrup Hikes through Ryerson Conservation Area in Riverwoods. Each March, families, school groups and scout troops learn about the process of converting sap from the preserve’s towering sugar maple trees into sweet syrup.

“Environmental educators are preparing a full slate of programs taking place in March,” said Director of Education Nan Buckardt. “We are looking forward to offering both in-person and virtual programs this spring.”

The springtime tradition kicked off with a free Maple Syrup Festival Feb. 25 at the Ryerson Welcome Center

Families are encouraged to stop by educational stations outside on the trail and inside the Welcome Center to learn about the

sweet science of trees and the maple syrup process.

In-person, public Maple Syrup Hikes are offered Saturdays and Sundays, until March 19, at Ryerson Welcome Center. Led by Lake County Forest Preserves educators, the onehour hikes run every half-hour from noon to 2 p.m. and are open to all ages.

The temperature dictates what visitors will see along the trails, said Environmental Educator Jen Berlinghof.

“The timing for tapping maple trees comes down to temperature–above freezing during the day but still below freezing at night–plus precipitation and the hours of sunlight in a day,” she said. Changing temperature is what causes the sap to surge upward from the roots toward the branches, where it helps the leaves grow and the buds bloom. Then in the summer, the leaves will produce more sap, which will settle back

above: Environmental educator Jen Berlinghof leads a maple syrup hike at the Lake County Forest Preserves, which is providing an array of programs in March that involve the science behind maple syrup. COURTESY

Spirit of the Lakes on the cover: A bed of multicolored tulips adds a colorful display to the annual Tulip Festival at Richardson Farms in Spring Grove. See Page 5 for more information.

down in the roots come winter, Berlinghof said.

“Visitors are able to witness the wonder of turning sap from sugar maple trees into sweet maple syrup. All registered participants can have a taste,” Berlinghof said.

Ryerson Conservation Area has many maple trees and good soil. Syrup production only happens in late winter and early spring.

Tickets for Maple Syrup Hikes are required. Hikes fill up quickly, so register early. Cost is $6 per person. Children ages 3 and younger are free.

Purchase tickets online at lcfpd.org or call 847968-3321. Special sessions designed for scouts or other large groups are also available. Register a group by calling the ticket line.

Throughout March, teachers and scout leaders are encouraged to reserve in-person field trips. The experience includes learning where we use the maple syruping process to address Illinois learning standards, Berlinghof said. Learn more about maple syruping school programsonline or email AskAnEducator@LCFPD.org to begin the registration process.

“If your family is ready to hit the trails, there are free self-guided Maple Syrup Hikes from March 20 to 31. Through informational signs, you’ll learn the science behind how trees make sap and how we turn that sap into real maple syrup as you walk along the designated trail at your own pace,” Berlinghof said.

Browse all education programs and register online at LCFPD.org/calendar, or call 847-968-3321. Follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @ LCFPD for more educational resources, webinars and videos.

Maple syrup is drawn from a tree in the Lake County Forest Preserves. COURTESY OF LAKE COUNTY FOREST PRESERVES Spirit of the Lakes

Tulip Festival returns to Richardson Farms

by Sandra Landen Machaj CORRESPONDENT

As the air warms, the sun shines and the snowfalls turn to rain, spring has sprung. Peeking out of the ground, the first flowers of the season emerge, heralding the arrival of the warm-weather months. Among the early flowers to bloom are the tulips, which pop up and spread their vibrant color through the landscape.

Around the middle of April, the Richardson Farm in Spring Grove, bursts into color as hundreds of thousands of tulips planted on the property bloom and the Festival of Tulips begins.

“This is the third year we have had the Tulip

above: This happy family poses in the midst of the tulips after enjoying a day at the Tulip Festival at Richardson Farm in Spring Grove. below: A color block of orange tulips in full bloom at Richardson Adventure Farm. Tulips come in a large variety of color options.

toe through the

Tip

COURTESY OF GRAND GENEVA Spirit of the Lakes

Festival on the farm,” said George Richardson, one of the farm’s owners. “Each year the display becomes larger as we add additional bulbs.”

George and Wendy Richardson, their son Ryan, and George’s brother, Robert and his wife, Carol, owners of Richardson’s Adventure Farm, are always thinking of new ideas to add additional attractions to the farm, already the home of the largest corn maze in the area, the fall festival, and the cut your own Christmas tree festival.

Robert and Carol thought that a tulip field would be a nice addition to the farm, one that would be enjoyed by visitors, a thought that was embraced by the other owners.

While some tulips are found in many private gardens, there are not many tulip fields in the Midwest with the exception of Holland, Michigan. Located on the other side of Lake Michigan, Holland is well known for its beautiful tulip displays and Festival celebrating its Dutch heritage. But that is a long distance for Illinois locals to travel to enjoy the beauty of the tulips. So, the Richardson family seriously began to consider adding a beautiful display of tulips at their farm in Spring Grove.

Washington state is known for growing lots of tulips both for display and for commercial sales so Robert and Carol took a trip to Washington, where they researched how to grow tulips. The only drawback they saw to the tulip display was that the bulbs needed to be planted in the fall, the busiest time at Richardson’s as the fall festival with its massive corn maze is in full swing.

Despite of the busyness of the season, the decision was made to begin the project. With help from Shawn Stolworthy, owner of MazePlay Inc., who for the past 20 years has designed the area’s largest and most intricate corn maze, the Richardson Corn Maze, work began on designing and creating the tulip display.

“Shawn knew we were going ahead with the tulip project and he had a contact in California who owned a commercial tulip bulb planter,” George Richardson said. “This large complicated machine was built in Holland and had to be driven on a trailer from California by Shawn. We were also fortunate that Shawn was able to find a contact in Holland who was willing to ship the bulbs across the Atlantic and then deliver them by semi-truck.”

Anyone who has spent their fall planting bulbs for spring bloom knows it is a time consuming and back aching job. Using the bulb planter made the job easier but it remains labor intensive.

“Putting the bulbs in requires two full days of work by the maze designer, four employees, and my brother, son, and I working two full days each to plant the display,” George said.

Designing the display

In spite of the work involved the

decision to go ahead with the tulip display was accepted by the owners and the first bulbs were planted in November 2020. Prior to planting these first bulbs, decisions about the number of bulbs and the amount of land to be turned into the blooming tulip display had to be made.

The first thought was that 10,000 bulbs would make a beautiful splash of color. But would it be enough? In Richardson fashion, it was decided that it was not enough.

Working with Stolworthy, they decided to plant 300,000 bulbs over five acres –200,000 bulbs would be planted in color blocks with walkways between them, 30,000 blocks in a sunburst design, and

another 70,000 bulbs of mixed colors in an adjacent pick your own area.

“Since that time our numbers have increased each year,” Carol said. “We plant additional bulbs yearly, many of our original bulbs continue to flower and many have produced new offshoots, increasing their numbers. This year we should have approximately 1 million blooms.”

While 1 million is a massive display, they will not all be in bloom at the same time. There are a variety of early and late bloomers which will spread the blooms out throughout the blooming season.

The Richardsons explained that the opening date is always in question as it is

above: Visitors pick tulips at Richardson Adventure Farm. Each visitor is allowed to pick one tulip from this area without charge. Additional blooms can be picked and purchased. top: Richardson Adventure Farm plants multiple areas of tulips, from beds of multicolored flowers to blocks of solid colors.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF RICHARDSON ADVENTURE FARM Spirit of the Lakes

dependent on Mother Nature. When she provides enough rain, sun, and warm spring weather, the tulips will respond and grow. This is usually around mid-April and the blooming will continue through early May.

“The blooming season usually lasts about three to four weeks, so there is ample time to visit the tulips and enjoy them in full bloom,” George said.

The 5 acres of blooms are on a hay field and along a private 36-acre lake located on the Richardson Farm. Visitor can enjoy the beauty of the tulips and meander over to the lakefront to partake in other activities. Along the waterfront are a number of picnic tables for guests to picnic.

Eat, drink and be merry

Food can be purchased from the food trucks parked near the shore. Weekdays one of these food trucks will be onsite – MJ’S, or Pixie Dawgs. In addition, the Richardson Trolley provides beer, wine, soft drinks and snacks for sale. The trolley sells the homemade treats found at Richardson’s during festivals, including donuts, popcorn and kettle corn all made onsite. Fudge is available at the gift shop, which can be found about a half-mile walk from Tulip Fields. (or drive up from the parking lot).

The gift shop, in addition to the homemade treats, carries a variety of gifts, including new spring and garden merchandise. Wine tasting from Prairie State Winery will also be available in the gift shop.

On weekends, additional food trucks may be onsite, including Fork N Fire, or Your Sister’s Tomato Pizza. On weekend afternoons from noon to 3 p.m. live music is performed along the waterfront by a variety of local musicians.

Along the lakefront there are a variety of games for family fun, available without charge. Challenge family members to a game of corn hole. Or enjoy the giant versions of Jengo, Connect Four, checkers and Ring the Bull.

Accessiblity

Safety and wheelchair accessibility is important. Richardson Adventure Farm has worked to make the area as accessible as possible but they do want everyone to realize that the tulips are planted in a hay field, a farm field that has lumps and bumps. The walkways between the tulip beds are grass and weeds and while they have been flattened as much as possible, they are still uneven.

After rainy days, the ground becomes a little mushy, making it difficult to push wheelchairs or even baby strollers. The parking area is also grass.

From the tulip fields, the ground slopes down to the festival grounds where the food trucks, weekend music, games and, picnic tables are located. The slopes are within ADA guidelines. However, because

the ground is rough, some people may need assistance to push their wheelchairs back up the hill.

“We have made every effort to make these lumpy fields as wheelchair friendly as possible, but you must decide on your capabilities or those of the person you are caring for,” the Richardson family said.

Because they are dependent on Mother Nature to bring the tulips to a bloom, there is no exact opening date for the Festival to begin.

“We expect it to be around the middle of April and continue for three to four weeks,” George said. “The exact dates will be listed on our Facebook page and our website, www.richardsonsadventurefarm.com.

Check them regularly for updates.”

Richardson’s Tulip Festival will be open Tuesdays through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Tickets are priced at $16 for those from 4 years of age and older Tuesday to Friday; and $19 for those 13 and older Saturday and Sunday, $16 for those 4 to 12 years old.

One free tulip may be selected with each ticket. Additional tulips may be purchased for $2 each. Bring a scissors to cut tulips.

Family dogs are allowed onsite if they are on a leash and play well with others.

Richardson’s Adventure Farm is at 909 English Prairie Road, Spring Grove. For other information, reach them at 815-6759729 and richardsonadventurefarm.com.

above: Visitors meander the rows of tulips at Richardson Adventure Farm. While the blooming season is relatively short, the farm sees many visitors to its gardens. top: About 300,000 tulip bulbs are loaded on the trailer for planting at Richardson Adventure Farm.

COURTESY OF GRAND GENEVA Spirit of the Lakes

Take a look back in time

Visit the Crystal Lake Historical Society

by Sandra Landen Machaj CORRESPONDENT

The Crystal Lake Historical Society was not founded until April 14, 2000, when local residents who wished to preserve the history of the community for future generations made the decision to create this historical society. They have been quite successful in obtaining and preserving memorabilia of the past and in identifying, preserving and promoting the history of the area through education.

The society has been fortunate to make their home in the Colonel Palmer House, 660 Terra Cotta Road, Crystal Lake, a home owned by the City of Crystal Lake and leased by the Crystal Lake Park District in partnership with the Historical Society.

“The historic society stores our records and historical artifacts in the Palmer House, displaying the furniture throughout the

house and the records on the second floor,” Crystal Lake Historical Society President Diana Kenney said. “Those interested in learning more about the history of Crystal Lake are welcome to come and use the research facilities. We have a large historical base including all the high school yearbooks. ”

According to the Crystal Lake Historical Society’s website, the history of Crystal Lake goes back to the 1800s when two communities originally known as Nunda and Crystal Lake were established. Nunda was named after Nunda, New York, where some of the early settlers to the area originally lived. The name Crystal Lake was given because of the crystal clear waters of the lake in the area, the name has remained through the years.

Founding families

Ziba Beardsley was said to have arrived in this area in 1835. He is credited with giving the lake its name after commenting that “the waters were as clear as crystal.” He however, did not remain in the area

but continued south settling in what would become Naperville. Thus, allowing Beman and Polly Crandall and six of their 10 children to be the first to settle in the area. The Crandall family remained living in their covered wagon until a log cabin was erected. Four additional children were born here.

They were followed by Najah Beardsley’s family who are identified as the second to settle in the area.

The area went through a number of name changes, from Crystal Ville which changed to Crystal Lake before 1840. The downtown area was originally called Dearborn when founded in the mid-1850s after the railroads arrived in the area. Later the name was changed to Nunda and finally it became Crystal Lake.

The train depot arrived by train in 1856. It was a prefabricated building and was loaded on a flat car to make its way here from Chicago. The area where the depot was installed was at that time known as Dearborn. However, in spite of that, the train stop was named and still remains the

The City of Crystal Lake has always been popular for its clear lake that is popular with swimmers. Pictured at the top is the recreation building and bath house. The main beach building was built in 1926.

Crystal Lake Station.

Col. Gustavus A. Palmer was also from Nunda, New York. Palmer and his wife, Henrietta, arrived around 1841 by covered wagon. He eventually acquired 300 acres of land and became a very successful farmer.

Befitting his status as a wealthy farmer, Palmer hired Stonemason Andrew Jackson Simons to build a beautiful Greek Revival and Federalist-style brick home in 1858. Simons was famous for his cobblestone foundations and incorporated one in the Palmer home.

The Palmers lived in this home for more than 40 years until their deaths, days apart, from typhoid pneumonia in December 1884.

Palmer is remembered as one of the founders of the Masonic Lodge and was the first post master Kenny said.

The home was designated with landmark status in 1985 when it received a listing on the National Register of Historic Places and in 1997 the City of Crystal Lake also granted it landmark status.

In 1998, the Crystal Lake Park District entered into a 99-year lease with the city for the use of the house and two acres of its property. In 2001 the park district welcomed the historic society to share the building maintaining the historic society’s office, library, and archives in the Palmer House on the second floor.

Sears homes studied

Kenny said the historical society continues to research the history of Crystal Lake.

“Our current project is researching the story of the Sears Kit Homes that were built in this area,” Kenny said. “In February we had a presentation at the Dole Mansion about the verified Sears

homes in Crystal Lake given by our vicepresident, Ann Viger.”

The program will be added to the website so those interested can watch it there. A display of the Sears homes study will also be added to the Palmer House in April.

Each year there is a trolley rde through the City of Crystal Lake on the second Sunday of June, this year on June 11, highlighting some of the history of Crystal Lake.

This year the narrated trolley tour sponsored by the park district, will take visitors past many of the verified Sears Kit Homes in the community along with a program booklet.

Tickets must be purchased in advance and are available at Heisler’s Bootery, 50 N. Williams St, Crystal Lake. Tickets tend to sell out quickly so if interested visit them now. Tickets are $20.

The Sears Kit Homes, for those unfamiliar with them, were sold by Sears Roebuck and Co. from the early 1900s until 1942. The kits contained everything to build a house including all the lumber all precut to size. The kits were available for a variety of home designs from small cottage home to two-story larger homes.

The cost for the Sears Home Kits ranged from a few hundred dollars for the smaller homes to a couple of thousand dollars for some of the larger homes. People needed to purchase the property to build the home on separately.

“The home kits were shipped by train so it is not surprising that most of the homes were built fairly close to the train station,” Viger said. “Those in the Crystal Lake area that we present as true Sears Kit Homes have been authenticated by at least two forms of identification. There are probably more homes in the area than what we have identified and we continue to research them.”

In addition to the Sears Home Kits there were also other companies following the Sears lead and producing kits for home building.

The homes were discontinued in 1942 because of a lack of material available for the kits and having fewer workers to prepare the kits as the majority of the males were serving their country during World War II.

The kits were delivered by train so it is not surprising that most of them were built in a short radius around train stations

top: Ice harvesting on the lake was a major industry from the late 1800s to the 1900s.

The ice was used locally and some was transported to Chicago by train. middle: Downtown Williams Street, in the heart of Crystal Lake, as it looked circa 1950. Williams Street is still a bustling shopping district in downtown Crystal Lake. at right: The railroad station in Crystal Lake was built in 1914 and is still in use today.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CRYSTAL LAKE HISTORICAL SOCIETY Spirit of the Lakes

both in Crystal Lake and other communities.

To learn more about the history of the area, visit the Palmer House.

Palmer House

The Palmer House is open for visitors. Many of the original features of the home are still intact.

Visitors will note the cobblestone foundation on the outside of the home. This type of foundation has surprisingly held up. Inside the offset stairs, typical of Greek Revival homes, is still in place with its hand turned banister.

The home is furnished with some of the historical furniture collected by the historical society. The back parlor is used by the Crystal Lake Park District for programs.

Among one of the favorite programs held here by the park district is the Mother-Daughter Tea. The special tea brings in the history of teas in the Victorian days. The teas include finger sandwiches and desserts and a variety of teas as would be served during Victorian times.

The program is suitable for children from age 7 and older. This year’s tea will be Sunday, April 30. Two seatings are available – 12:30 to 2 p.m. or from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Tickets must be purchased in advance from the park district office. Prices are $29 to $38.

The Palmer House is also the perfect place to hold a birthday party – Victorian style. The parties include a light lunch of seasonal fruit, finger sandwiches, and delicious desserts and of course tea in the Victorian manner.

Victorian dining etiquette is presented and a variety of parlor games are played. The party will last 1-1/2 hours and can be scheduled on Saturday or Sunday with a maximum of 25 guests.

The Palmer House also offer a Fairy Birthday where guests are swept away in a world of fairies and will have fairythemed crafts. This party is suitable for children older than 4 years old.

For more information, costs and date availability for parties, email Jfiorina@ crystallakeparks.org.

Those interested in learning more about the history of Crystal Lake may consider joining the Crystal Lake Historical Society, which provides a variety of displays both upstairs and downstairs at the Palmer House.

The historical society produces a quarterly newspaper and a Sunday Facebook page to share information about Crystal Lake’s history. The society also publishes a monthly news article for the City of Crystal Lake.

A members-only open house is scheduled for April when the Sears Home Kits display is completed.

To learn more about the Crystal Lake Historical Society contact them at 660 E. Terra Cotta Ave., call them at 815455-1151 (leave a message) or visit cl-hs.org.

Researchers may email info@cl-hs.org to arrange for a knowledgeable volunteer to assist them.

Visit the Palmer House Thursdays and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

top: The Colonel Palmer house, 660 Terra Cotta Road in Crystal Lake, was the home of a locally prominent farmer, known as Colonel Palmer. The home for this farmer was designed by local architect, Andrew Jackson Simons. middle: The unique foundation of the Palmer House includes this cobblestone foundation. It is the work of Andrew Jackson Simons who brought the technique with him from New York. above: The Valonia is an eight-room, one-bathroom Sears Kit Home with a full front porch. This one is on Maple Street in Crystal Lake.

balloon Larger than life Artistry

Lake Geneva to host Big Balloon Build in March

by Jason Arndt STAFF WRITER

Sara Meyer, owner of Lake Geneva-based Wisconsin Balloon Decor, always wanted to host The Big Balloon Build since she first participated in the larger than life event in Indiana.

Sara Meyer

She recalled her initial exposure to the event, where dozens of artists from around the world filled a Vincennes venue, which she said she found impressive.

“It was the largest installation I’ve ever been a part of, which was incredible,” Meyer said. “But when I saw the impact the event was having on the community, I knew I wanted to bring it home.”

That event raised $120,000 for local charities.

Considering the tremendous impact and artists’ displays, Meyer applied to host the event in Lake Geneva.

If you go…

WHAT: The Big Balloon Build

WHEN: March 23 to 26

WHERE: Covenant Harbor, 1724 W. Main St. (Hwy. 50) Lake Geneva

TICKETS: www.wisconsin balloondecor.com

After the application process, The Big Balloon selected Meyer and Wisconsin Balloon Decor to serve as host for the 2023 event, which will be held at Covenant Harbor March 23 to 26.

All proceeds from the event will benefit local nonprofit groups Inspiration Ministries

and Inspired Coffee, both of which serve people with disabilities. Kunes RV will serve as signature sponsor, which played a critical role in helping Lake Geneva host The Big Balloon Build – the third time it’s being held in the United States.

“After the location is selected, it’s up to the host to find a venue, local charity and sponsor to support the event,” Meyer said. “So, without Inspiration Ministries as the charity, RVPanda and Kunes RV as our

presenting sponsor, and Covenant Harbor as our location, the event wouldn’t be possible.”

Tickets went on sale last month for the build, which will include a breakfast, comedy show and an invite-only balloon popping party.

The comedy show slated for 7 p.m. on March 24 will feature award-winning Kerri Pomarolli, who has worked with other comedians including Jay Leno, Jim Carey and Jerry Lewis.

“She’s been featured on the Tonight Show 29 times and has appeared on nearly every major network,” a news release states.

Sara Meyer, owner of Wisconsin Balloon Decor, will present The Big Balloon Build set for March in Lake Geneva.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Spirit of Geneva Lakes

Schedule of events

Friday, March 24

• 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Local school children in grades 1 through 4 will visit

• 7 p.m. – A night of “In-Tents” laughter with award-winning comedian Kerri Pomarolli

Saturday, March 25

• 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. – The Ultimate Balloon Experience (Includes a buffet breakfast and a visit with the Easter Bunny in his burrow)

• 1 to 8 p.m. – General admission to the build (guests are asked to bring a donation of non-perishable food for the Fill the RV Food Drive to benefit local food pantries)

Sunday, March 26

• 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. – The Ultimate Balloon Experience (Includes a buffet breakfast and a visit with the Easter Bunny in his burrow)

• 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. – General admission to the build (guests are asked to bring a donation of nonperishable food for the Fill the RV Food Drive to benefit local food pantries)

• 6 p.m. – Invite-only balloon popping party

Exploring the outdoors

Meyer said the event will bring in 75 balloon artists from all the over the world and promises to transform the Covenant Harbor Jackson Family Center gym into a magical experience designed with more than 100,000 balloons.

This year’s theme – “Inspired by the Great Outdoors” – will feature plenty of larger-than-life balloon arrangements and artists will use expressions from nature, according to Meyer.

“We are creating 20-foot tall trees, giants butterflies overhead, waterfalls and campgrounds, animal families, and of course, a burrow for photos with our Easter Bunny,” she said. “With 75 artists working eight hours a day for four days, that’s 2,400 man-hours from some of the most talented artists in the world. The result will be unimaginable.”

Other features planned include a lifesized RV, hiking paths and campsites.

Meyer said while people will experience the outdoors, the best part of the event is that it’s global.

She contaced artists friends and peers in the industry all of whom own and operate their own businesses.

“The best part of working with balloon

Sara Meyer and her company, along with Kunes RV as signature sponsor, will bring The Big Balloon Build to Covenant Harbor in Lake Geneva March 24-26. The event will allow visitors to stroll through colorful displays created with thousands of balloons. Proceeds will benefit local nonprofit groups Inspiration Ministries and Inspired Coffee, both of which serve people with disabilities.

artists is that they are all very creative. So the skill and talent will be mind-blowing, but so is the story telling. It will feel like you are walking through a child’s storybook,” Meyer explained.

The artists will complete the build on March 23 and turn the Covenant Harbor gymnasium into a “woodland wonderland” for visitors attending the event.

“The builders come for the experience and out of generosity,” Meyer said. “I will absolutely be traveling to future builds around the country to pay it forward.”

Community collaboration

The Big Balloon Build took collaboration, including support from sponsors, as well as promotion from Visit Lake Geneva.

Receiving support from sponsors boiled down to reaching out to both businesses, Meyer said.

“They saw the vision immediately and wanted to be involved. It was a total blessing because without them we probably wouldn’t have been selected,” Meyer said. “Not only were they excited about the balloons, but the idea that the entire event gives back to the community. They are also sponsoring the Friday school visits so hundreds of children in Walworth County will get to be the first to enjoy the build.”

Once approved as the location, Visit Lake Geneva stepped in and helped promote and

support The Big Balloon Build, Meyer said.

Additionally, as part of serving as hosts, Meyer and Wisconsin Balloon Decor selected Inspiration Ministries and Inspire Coffee as the lead beneficiaries of the event. Meyer, of Lake Geneva, said she chose those two nonprofits because both organizations have a mission to help adults with disabilities meet their objectives. Inspiration Ministries, according to a news release, is a place where residents can grow, work, mature in their faith, and lead productive joy-filled lives.

“We’ve enriched the lives of adults with disabilities who call Inspration Ministries home for more than 70 years,” the news release stated. “We believe in opening a world of possibilities for people with disabilities.”

Inspired Coffee is a neighborhood coffee shop in downtown Lake Geneva that employs people with disabilities who are trained and coached with a goal of being placed into a fully integrated work setting.

“The Big Balloon Build is 100% dedicated to the charity and it’s the most important component. Without the proceeds going to a good cause, I don’t think we would have the community or artist support that we are seeing,” Meyer said. “When people get to enjoy what they are doing and give to charity, it’s a really powerful combination.”

SUBMITTED PHOTOS Spirit of Geneva Lakes