By Ben Priesgen
Journalist
On July 11, 19 local businesses at 12 farm and business locations from Dodge and Fond du Lac Counties will host a free, family-friendly event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the community to visit as many local agricultural and small businesses as possible at their own pace and connect with the area’s agricultural industry.
Here is a rundown of the participating businesses:
Ledgerock Distillery, located at N5287 Grandview Rd, Fond du Lac, is a small-batch craft distillery built on the Retzer Family farm with a tasting room and specialty cocktails. They make vodka, gin, bourbon and corn whiskey with the grains they grow on their farm.
“A member of our family is always there to share our story, and you can see where the entire process takes place,” said Legderock Owner Heidi Retzer. “The same individuals who plant and harvest the crops make the spirits.
Valley View Landscaping LLC & Valley View Garden Center, located at 9085 St Kilian Heights Rd, Allenton, is a family-owned business specializing in helping clients create their ideal patio and outdoor living space.
Their greenhouse houses a retail store featuring annual and seasonal hanging baskets, plus porch pots for outdoor space, with local vendors that include jams, jewelry, homemade products and house plants.
“We also have vegetable plants for your garden, and visitors can meet their goats, ducks, sheep, peacocks and chickens,” said ValleyView Owner Maria Flasch.
Widmer’s Cheese Cellars, located at 214 W. Henni St, Theresa, is a fourth-generation cheese factory making quality handcrafted Brick, Butterkase, Cheddar and Colby Cheese since 1922.
“Come to our retail store for a wide selection of cheeses and samples,” said Widmer’s Owner, Joey Widmer.
Purple Thumb Lavender, located at N11502 East Lane, Lomira, is a small family-owned lavender farm, planted in 2017, with a mission to provide health, beauty, home and food items made with lavender that grow on the land they love.
“Check out their beautiful lavender fields and all of the amazing products they make during your visit,” said Purple Thumb Lavender Owner Kristy Melby.
Country Blossoms Organics, LLC. Located at W281 Rolling Dr, Lomira is a family-owned MOSA-certified organic vegetable, garlic and flower farm that was started in 2014 on a 172-year-old family farm.
They offer home delivery and farm pickup for produce, flowers and garlic customers during the season, and will be hosting their annual garlic day on August 15, when customers can pick up their garlic orders with nine garlic varieties.
“We will have produce available, hands-on activities, presentations and walking tours of the farm during the day to help promote agriculture in the area,” said Country Blossoms Organics Owner Ben Priesgen.
Rooted & Rise micro-bakery from Oakfield takes pride in crafting small-batch, slow-fermented breads and baked goods using simple ingredients and timeless methods, and Jocelyn’s Soap from West Bend with cold-process essential oils, homegrown botanicals and natural colorants will be on site at Country Blossoms Organics during the event.
The Dodge County Master Gardener Association will be at Country Blossoms Organics to have educational activities and information for the event’s visitors.
May Hill Farm, located at W4856 Super Dr, Campbellsport, has the goal of providing your family with the highest quality beef, pork, chicken and eggs.
The May Hill family farm in southeast Fond du Lac County uses regenerative practices—like daily pasture moves for our chickens and rotational grazing for our beef herd—to build healthy soil and raise nutrient-dense food.
“We sell beef, pork, chicken and eggs directly to you—straight from our farm to your table,” said May Hill Owner Carrie Stevens.
Mayberry Farms, located at W2364 Highway Y, Mayville, offers raw honey by the jar straight from the hives on the farm, which will be onsite at May Hill farm during the Farmland Frolic.
“We also offer handcrafted soap and skincare products using our own farm-grown ingredients, including raw honey, beeswax, goat milk, lavender and locally sourced tallow and lard,” said Mayberry Owner Danielle Clark.
Fresh Bites Fond du Lac County will be at May Hill Farms, offering a community booth promoting early childhood development and healthy habits that last a lifetime.
Pieper’s Fruit Farm, located at W3444 Zangl Rd, Brownsville, is proud to be fourth-generation apple growers carrying on a legacy that began over 80 years ago and continues to grow strong on their family’s dairy farm.
In 2021, they relocated the orchard to their operating dairy farm, where they now raise their family and grow a variety of apples with care and tradition.
“While apples won’t be in season yet, there’s still plenty to enjoy by joining us for wagon rides, hands-on kids’ activities, and a chance to experience the charm of our orchard in summer! Whether you’re here to learn, play, or just soak up some fresh country air, they will love to welcome you to the farm,” said Pieper Owner Lizzy Weiglein.
Traveling Roots Farmstead, located at N9299 County Rd AY, Theresa, is a small, family-run farmstead and is open year-round.
“We offer freshly baked sourdough bread, handcrafted bakery items, microgreens, farm-fresh eggs, seasonal produce and cut flowers,” said Traveling Roots Owner Marcia Schabel.
Past to Present Apothecary from Theresa will be at Traveling Roots, offering tinctures, herbal remedies, salves, ointments and teas.
Humble Roots from Theresa will be on site at Traveling Roots, offering tallow-based skin care, garlic, honey and sunflowers.
Inukshuk Alpaca Menagerie Ranch & Country Shoppe, located at N534 County Rd W., Campbellsport, is a humble farm dedicated to sharing their passion and knowledge about an eco-friendly, renewable resource – the Alpaca.
Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in an exciting and educational hands-on adventure to meet, feed, and learn about alpacas and their fiber with on-site demonstrations.
“Create unforgettable memories for all ages in a welcoming and delightful atmosphere with unlimited photo ops!” said Inukshuk Owner Angie Flore. “Stop by the Shoppe for socks, sweaters and home décor during your visit.”
Triple Scoop Ice Cream & Sweets, located at 605 Main St, Brownsville, is a small ice cream and homemade candy/sweets shop in downtown Brownsville.
“We serve creamy Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream made locally in Madison, WI, plus homemade candy and sweets made right in our shop,” said Triple Scoop Owner Tracie Mason. “We also make ice cream cakes and cater for special events, plus serve lunch on Wednesday-Friday.”
Confections for Any Occasion, located at 101 N. Milwaukee St, Theresa, is a local candy shop with a full restaurant with Cedar Crest Ice Cream and offers a large selection of many fine Wisconsin products: cheese, sausage, wine, jams, jellies, honey, maple syrup and much more.
“We enjoy serving the public and are happy to brighten their day with our candy,” said Confections for Any Occasion Owner Joel Berhard.
Getting Down in This Small Town, located at 527 Water St, is a home garden showcasing sustainable growing on a small scale, featuring fruit trees, seasonal crops, a composting system, pollinator-friendly plantings and more.
“Visitors can learn and experience how gardening in a residential space is not only possible but also how it can serve to support things such as soil health, biodiversity and, of course, filling your kitchen table with fresh produce,” said Owner John Lavarda.
The Dodge & Fond du Lac Farmland Frolic businesses are open and available to the public throughout the year, but the July event is a great way to learn about what’s in your local area communities.
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