"A different kind of fall festival” — that’s how Robert Blue describes Autumn Drive, the annual three-day celebration of art, antiques, farm produce, food, and fun for all along Garden Valley Road between Woodstock and Marengo.
It all started 23 years ago when artists living and working along this stretch of farmland joined forces to “provide a fun fall weekend for visitors,” according to Blue, event coordinator and owner of Blue Eagle Pottery. “It is about neighbors helping neighbors, neighbors enjoying each other and getting to know each other.”
The weekend event was the brainchild of watercolorist Fran Stake, her art instructor husband Vern and their neighbors, including Blue and farmer Henry Boi. The group was inspired by garage sales held in Algonquin. “We thought, ‘Why don’t we do that, but with an emphasis on the arts?’” Blue recalled. “Fourteen of us signed up.”
Leisure and Fun
Today, Blue, along with neighbors Joe and Lois Grasser and Melissa Stake, still organize the fall event, which takes place October 15 through 17 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. They expect 15,000 people will visit 10 family farms along Garden Valley and River roads this year.
“Autumn Drive allows visitors to spend a leisurely day on a real country road,” Blue said. “Each stop along the way offers a unique country experience.”
It’s a true family event that draws all age groups. “You can pick-your-own pumpkins, enjoy a hayride, go-kart ride or barrel ride, warm up next to the fire pit and roast marshmallows, stroll through the corn maze or just sit back and enjoy some music,” he said.
The event will feature a pumpkin launcher — which is quite a spectacle; and a huge corn box, which is like a ball pit, but with corn.
“Adults even get into the corn box,” according to Blue.
On the leisure side of things, Autumn Drive is an opportunity to “look at beautiful artwork, find wonderful things to purchase for your homes, have lunch, listen to music and just have a very enjoyable day out in the country,” he added. “You can really relax at each stop.
”The event has grown to include charitable organizations, such as the food pantries of Marengo and Woodstock, McHenry County Historical Society, Woodstock High School Cheering Squad, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Faith in Action of McHenry County, church groups and animal shelters. “We wanted to give back to the community through Autumn Drive,” Blue said.
The Lineup
Autumn Drive begins at Cody’s Farm Fresh Vegetables on scenic River Road and then extends down its usual path of Garden Valley Drive. Be sure to make all of the stops on this year’s Autumn Drive route:
1. Cody’s Farm Fresh Vegetables:
Homegrown vegetables/pumpkins, fall decorations, food, barrel rides, corn box, corn maze, pumpkin launcher, children’s tractor track, antique tractors, music and many crafters.
2. RB’s Concessions: Great food and inside dining available, plus crafts, sweatshirts and novelties.
3. Recycled Madness: Blue Moon Limited Antiques, treasures and collectibles.
4. The Rivers Edge Farm: In-season farm products, and photographic scenes of cities, flowers and animals.
5. Lisk Family & Friends: Nicely priced pumpkins, squash, Indian corn and straw for sale, plus handcrafted items and Philip Lauf’s locally produced honey. Lunch Barn: Enjoy lunch and help out the McHenry County community — all proceeds are donated to Faith in Action of McHenry County (assisting seniors to stay in their own homes); and the Marengo and Woodstock food pantries.
6. Karen Schneider/Ceramic Bug Supplies:
Crafters, including Sweet Shop Gourmet (caramel apples and Italian ice); Cyndee’s Country Treasures (candles and holiday decorations); Rhinestone (crystal jewelry, bread, soup and dip mixes); S&C (original gems); as well as toys, books, art, knitting, slumped wine bottles and Christmas decorations.
7. Grasser Antiques: Antique furniture, trunks, white elephant sales, linens, vintage and costume jewelry and books, plus Lois’ Kitchen Corner.
8. A Bit of Everything: Tastefully Simple; Annie Fee’s jewelry; Sue McDonald’s florals; Riverside Chocolate Factory, handmade baby bibs, Burning Bush Candle & Bath; Animal House Shelter and more than 10 food vendors.
9. Blue Eagle Pottery: Handmade, functional and home decorative pottery (porcelain and stoneware), glass jewelry, holiday decorations and homemade dog treats by the “Liver Lady.” McHenry County Living: Stop by for free copies of the first and best local magazine celebrating the good life here in McHenry County! While you’re there, sign up for our free weekly e-newsletter — The Weekender — where we e-mail you the weekend’s best bets in McHenry County.
10. McHenry County Historical Society: Visit the 1885 original Seneca Township Hall, now called Perkins Hall. Walk back in time for handmade articles, unique local historical books, historical and picturesque note cards, used books, quilt raffle and freshly popped Wisconsin kettle corn.
Be sure to pick up an entry drawing for a door prize and have it initialed at each stop to be eligible to win one of several gift certificates that have been donated by the participating landowners. n
>> For more, visit www.autumndrive.net or call 815-923-2415.
