News From Horseshoe Bay Farms

August 2022

A periodic newsletter to connect the mission, history, and current happenings of Horseshoe Bay Farms to all.

Happy Go Lucky

Photo: Jason Mann Photography

This past June we welcomed Patrick Dougherty and his son Sam to Horseshoe Bay Farms. Patrick is the creative artist behind Stickwork, a larger than life sculpture made entirely of natural materials. Patrick’s creative talent gave us an opportunity to once again showcase HSBF innovation.

We began collecting material (willow) over Memorial Day Weekend and welcomed Patrick and Sam to Door County on May 30th. Over the next 3 weeks, over 40 volunteers helped build the sculpture under Patricks guidance.

If you haven’t seen Happy Go Lucky, be sure to set some time aside to do so. According to Patrick, “It’s a devil-may-care kind of free-form. It’s relaxing. You could come here, and just chill out.”

If you’ve had a chance to see it, bring a friend back and show them!

Some facts:

All material was collected in Door County
There was a enough willow collected to fill 6 large trailers… almost an entire semi truck load!
The structure is temporary, only to last 2-3 years.

Photo: Jason Mann Photography

Welcome Center & Mercantile

We completed one of the first “rehabilitation” initiatives of an original farm structure in July. The Power House, which used to house the 2 generators that produced electricity for the entire farm, began its transformation in late October.

After being professionally remediated in November, we began construction on the new staircase in June. After replacing windows, sealing the upper level walls, and laying down a new epoxy floor, we opened the doors to the public on July 1.

Today it is used as our welcome center and mercantile. It provides a beautiful historic space for our merchandise, local art, and organic vegetables.

61st Annual House and Garden Walk

On July 26th we hosted the 61st Annual Door County House and Garden Walk. The House and Garden Walk is a fundraiser for the Door County Medical Center's Auxiliary. Proceeds benefit the Door County Medical Center Skilled Nursing Facility and Hospice Care Center. As one of 5 total sites, over 900 people visited HSBF throughout the 1-day event!

Historical Farm Tours

Through the first 3 months of the season, over 250 people have taken part in our historic farm tours. In our humble opinion, this is the pinnacle of the HSBF experience.

Throughout the 1.5 hour experience your Tour Leader walks you through each barn to learn what its purpose was, learn about the history of the farm, and visit the Stickwork sculpture, dahlia garden, and organic vegetable garden. You will also learn about the vision of our organization and what its very bright future holds.

We will offer tours weekly through the end of October. Sign up today by clicking the link below!

Tour Information

Dahlia Garden

We are celebrating our 4^th year of growing dahlias here at HSBF. Native to Mexico and South America, these stunning flowers are on full display from August through October. They grow from a tuber (like a small potato) and these tubers must be removed from the ground in the fall so they can overwinter in a 45 degree space to remain dormant.

In early June, the tubers are placed back into the ground where they begin growing again. This year volunteers planted over 900 tubers of 34 different varieties. We are so grateful for their commitment to this garden and the organization. It's hard work, but well worth it!

Join us on Saturday, September 3rd for Dahlia Day. You can learn how to grow your own dahlia garden, create your own bouquets, and participate in a floral design demo. More info on our Facebook page.

By The Numbers: Visitors

Founded in 2018, we opened the barn doors for the first time last year. As we planned for 2022, we set open hours for the first time this summer season.

With the help of several volunteers and hundreds of hours of work, we have been able to welcome 2,500 visitors to the farm so far this season! This was an unimaginable number just a year ago.

Two things have stuck out to us as we welcomed folks to the property. First, we've heard how thankful people are for preserving the history and structures of this farm.

Second was the amount of people who have returned to HSBF to show friends and family our amazing organization!

To all that visited once or have kept returning throughout the season,

THANK YOU!

Hours (through Mid Oct.):

Property Open Daily 8am-6pm

Welcome Center & Mercantile:

Tuesday - Saturday, 10am- 3pm

Online store

The HSBF online store is open 24/7! Check out our website to find out what's available and support HSBF.

All of these items and more are available onsite in our Welcome Center and Mercantile.

Shop Now!

DONATE TODAY

Horseshoe Bay Farms, Inc is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Our mission is to act as a responsible steward through preservation, rehabilitation, and activation of historic Horseshoe Bay Farms to secure its future for generations to come.

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