After taking a gap year in 2020 due to the pandemic, visitors to Wisconsin Farm Technology Days in Eau Claire County next month will be in for a treat as the show will feature many new things to see and do. Organizers of the state's largest outdoor agricultural exposition held its annual media day on Tuesday. Committee Chairman Mike Gintner says the extra year gave planners an opportunity to bring more ideas to fruition.
"A lot of people have attended this show in the past, but we wanted to make ours different for them by offering more exhibits and entertainment," Gintner said. "We've also been working with Eau Claire County health officials to ensure safety protocols are in place so that everyone who attends feels they can do so in a safe manner."
The show is being held July 20-22 at Huntsinger Farms and Silver Spring Foods, which is the largest producer and processor of horseradish in the world. Company President Eric Rygg said his family is very honored to welcome the public to their farm and called the experience a once in a lifetime opportunity.
"A lot of people in the community indicated that they really wanted to see the show move forward despite the cancellation of last year's event," said Rygg, who is the third generation to own the family enterprise. "Last year at this time, we were on the 20 yard line when we were told the show couldn't go on. But a lot of folks didn't want to see all those hours of work go to waste. When you get to the show, you'll agree that it was a great decision to move ahead."
Attendees will get an opportunity to take a bus tour of the facility, as well as the neighboring Nellie's Holsteins dairy farm and Ferguson's Orchards, which is one of the largest apple producers in the region. For those who do not feel comfortable riding on the tour bus, a virtual tour experience will also be provided on the grounds.
Meanwhile, Tent City Coordinator Anna Maenner says nearly 500 exhibitors from 23 different states from coast to coast are signed up to be at the show.
"Exhibitors are telling us they expect to provide showgoers with valuable information about the products and services they offer," she said referring to restrictions being lifted as a result of COVID-19. "The only exception will be those representing Canadian companies, as the border has not yet been opened. But those folks will be sending many of their U.S. dealers to the booths."
Innovation Square will be back this year in the heart of Tent City. That's where you will find five area family farms displaying their products--ranging from kidney beans from Chippewa Valley Bean Company to award-winning farmstead Gouda cheese from Marieke Gouda.
Other features and attractions include youth educational activities, a COVID vaccination center, truck and ATV Ride & Drive area, heritage tractor and farm implement display, equine activities, and a daily concert by local native Chris Kroeze.
Farm Technology Days will be located just off I-94 west of Eau Claire. Show hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m each day. Tickets are available at www.wifarmtechdays.org. Single day entry is $10, three-day passes are $25, and a five-person family pack for a single day is $40.
Categories: Wisconsin, Business