Hilgenkamp Family Farm Plans “Fall at the Farm” Event this Saturday

ARLINGTON, NE – The Hilgenkamp family will be hosting their first-ever “Fall at the Farm” event at their Aronia berry farm in rural Arlington, Nebraska this Saturday, September 19.
The Hilgenkamp family invites families and friends to spend a day on their farm and partake in multiple activities throughout the day.

Families can enjoy taking tours of the Aronia berry bush fields, hayrack rides, running in the 5k Berry Dash or the 1 mile Family Fun Run, snacking on Aronia berry products and other items at the Berry Concession Stand, and there will also be opportunities to learn more about Aronia berries, how they are harvested, and the Aronia berries’ health benefits.
Laurie Hock, daughter of the Hilgenkamp Family Farm’s owners, Dale and Nancy Hilkenkamp, explained some of the special health benefits in Aronia berries.
“The Aronia berries are native to Nebraska and they contain higher levels of antioxidants than any other berry. Studies have shown that they play a key role in reducing and preventing many health issues. Plus, they taste great in things like lemonade, ice cream, and bread. We will have some different Aronia berry products to try at our concessions stand,” said Hock.
There are also several activities available for children including face painting, pumpkin decorating, a nature scavenger hunt, a kids’ play area, and more.
Besides activities and snacks, the Fall at the Farm event will have rare and unique pumpkins and gourds for sale from Fitzke Produce, based in Hooper, NE, displayed all over the family farm.
Some of the pumpkins for sale include Cinderella, Fairy Tale, and Knucklehead pumpkins.
Another main event at Saturday’s event will be the Craft Show featuring many unique collections of handmade creations from local vendors.

Some of the featured businesses will be Bell Creek Soaps and Candles, CMBroidery Hand Embroided Tea Towels, and Mary Twohig’s Topsy-Turvy Princess Dolls.
When asked why they decided to open up their family farm to the public this year, Hock said the family wanted to create a day where families could enjoy a day together in nature, and recharge from the crazy year that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought on.
“We wanted to create an environment for families to come out, enjoy the weather and nature, and create new memories together. We don’t want it to be a pit stop in their day. We are really advocating for families to plan to spend the whole day out here and just linger and enjoy it. Ya know, just take a step back from the usual rush of the day,” said Hock.
The Fall at the Farm event will be free admission for all and can be enjoyed from 9 am – 5 pm this Saturday, September 19, at 7538 County Road 15 in Arlington, Nebraska.
 
To participate in the 5K Berry Dash or 1 mile Family Fun Run, admission is $10 and you can register at fallatthefarm.itsyourrace.com
Online registration is available through Friday, but in-person registration will be accepted the morning of the race, from 7 – 7:45 a.m.
1st place male and female in each respective age group (0-16 and 17+) will receive awards.