Building on the success of its 1997 Year of the Barn promotion, the McHenry County Historical Society hopes to offer residents an intimate look at life on a local farm this year.
“We’re looking for a local farmer who is willing to open his farm to a daylong tour sometime during the summer,” said Nancy Fike, the historical society’s executive director.
Although plans are sketchy, Fike envisions a one-day open house at the farm, with equipment exhibits, antique tool displays and baking contests.
Other activities might include a barn restoration program, quilting demonstrations and to cap the day, an old-fashioned barn dance on the site.
“It would be sort of like a mini-county fair,” Fike said, “complete with food, refreshments and a chance to see the animals up close and what life on a McHenry County farm is really like.”
Fike has scheduled a session on the event for 2 p.m. Jan. 28 at the society’s museum, 6422 Main St., Union. Those interested in providing a site for the event, or in helping organize and run the farm day program, are encouraged to attend. Potential volunteers need not be society members, Fike said.
Fike said she hoped the society would charge a small admission price to the farm day event. The money, she said, would be held in escrow against a possible matching grant to help financially strapped farmers with needed barn repairs.
