New business opens in October

Talk about it

A new business has formed with a mission to help not-for-profit groups and spread the message of civility.

The Country Store and Event Farms, located at 638 Highway 65, Roberts, will open for business during the month of October.

The business is a partnership between the Song Lee and Zeller families, said spokesperson Jim Zeller. The two families combined their adjoining farms for nearly 80 acres of space for the business, which is in the paperwork phase of becoming an official 501(c)3 non-profit entity.

Their goal is to help coordinate events, like fundraisers, to raise awareness and participation, Zeller said. Those using The Country Store could be established groups like the Scouts, or groups organized for a one-time purpose, like planning a fundraiser for a person with health issues.

Along with helping groups with their fundraising, Zeller said they hope to educate visitors about civility through activities.

The civility project was inspired by P.M. Forni’s book, “Choosing Civility, The 25 Rules of Considerate Conduct,” and spearheaded by Zeller. The Town of Warren and Village of Roberts signed proclamations declaring October “Civility Month,” hoping to jump start personal thoughts and conversations about how people treat each other.

Events

The Country Store and Event Farms will kick-off their opening with “Toast the Harvest in the Spirit of Civility” from Oct. 1-31.

About five miles of corn, covering about 10 acres, has been cut into a maze. The maze has three different levels of difficulty. It’s open from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m-7 p.m. on Sunday and will take weekday reservations for groups by appointment. Cost is $10 for adults, $8 for ages 6-15 and free for ages 5 and younger. Only cash will be accepted. Those who live in the Roberts zip code 54023 and bring proof of their address will get half-priced admission to the maze.

While going through the maze, visitors will answer questions about civility and character. Walkers will have a map to help them on their way, and spotters will ensure the safety of visitors, Zeller said.

The path of the maze contains the phrase, “Civility, a Root of Happiness,” and depicts a giraffe and the world. The giraffe was chosen because it can see farthest of all animals since it’s the tallest, it has the biggest physical heart and it’s ears are always up for listening, Zeller said. Similarly, the corn’s ears are always up for listening, Zeller said.

Tours of the farm will be given by the Friendship Wagons group. A few horse-drawn pioneer-era-type wagons will give tours, including a stop at the pumpkin patch.

Big Top Chautauqua will perform in the barn on Oct. 18. The Lake Superior-based group’s mission is to “enhance year round cultural opportunities and create a sense of community and connection to the life and history of the Chequamegon Bay area, state of Wisconsin and the upper Midwest through the uniquely American tradition of tent shows,” according to their Web site.

Other barn shows will be announced throughout the month.

KTK Haunted Adventures will hold the Town of Tormented Souls haunted experience every Friday and Saturday in October from 7 p.m.-midnight. Cost is $15. More information is available at www.ktkhaunted adventures.com.

Food and drinks will be available for purchase, with part of the proceeds going to a volunteer, non-profit group.

For more information, directions or to volunteer, call Lisa at 715-749-4490 or visit www.thecountrystore andeventfarms.blogspot.com

Tags: the country store and event farms, communities, roberts