'A Day at Peterson Farm' celebrates 10 years June 25

Residents are invited to the McHenry County Historical Society's 10th annual "A Day at Peterson Farm" from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 25, at the Historic Petersen Farm, 4112 McCullom Lake Road, one mile west of Route 31, in McHenry. Admission is free.

Visitors will enjoy American Roots music by Cheryl Niemo and the Down Home Boys. Along with Pete Jonsson on guitar and Marty Brunkalla on mandolin and fiddle, Niemo brings a blend of bluegrass, folk, blues and old-time country, demonstrating American down-home music across the decades.

There will be farm animals. hayrides and children's games for all ages. A 1914 working steam tractor and old farm tractors and equipment will be on display. Hayrides pulled by tractor as well as a Clydesdale team of horses will provide old-fashion fun. There will be crafts, textile demonstrations, blacksmithing, a farm garden and farm equipment displays. Children will learn to wash clothes using an old wringer washer. A magician will display his skills. The 1862 farmhouse main floor will be open for tours, with period furniture, photographs and kitchen equipment on display. McHenry's 2017 "Miss McHenry" and her Court will be introduced.

The farm opens at 10 a.m. with entertainment and activities concluding at 4 p.m. Both the McHenry Lions Club and Culver's will sell refreshments. Parking, admission, hay rides and all activities are free. The event is co-sponsored by the McHenry Farm Bureau, the City of McHenry Landmark Commission and the Colby-Petersen Farm Foundation.

Formed in 1842, the farm was acquired from the Colby and Petersen families by the city of McHenry for preservation of our agricultural heritage. With its outbuildings and oak savannah, it will become an agricultural museum and resource center. It will promote tourism within our area and preserve the flavor of life in McHenry County in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

The Colby-Petersen Farm Foundation has been established to assist in maintaining and developing the property. Visit www.gothistory.org.