McCULLOM LAKE – Stade's Farm & Market has closed its McCullom Lake roadside stand, owners announced this week.
The stand, located on the corner of McCullom Lake and Ringwood roads, was opened in 1997, nearly 20 years after Vern Stade began farming on the land that is now Stade's Farm & Market, 3709 Miller Road, McHenry.
Vern Stade and his wife, Gayle Stade, alerted customers that the market would be closing in an email newsletter earlier this week, citing the need to reduce operating costs.
“In order to maintain high-quality products at reasonable prices, we need to reduce our operating costs,” the newsletter said. “Consolidating our two farm markets into one business location is the most cost-effective way to accomplish that goal.”
Stade's still offers a full-service market on the McHenry farm property open each day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The family is celebrating its 40th year in business.
In addition to its market, Stade’s offers U-Pick farming, church services every Sunday from Memorial Day weekend until the end of October, a Farmtractions theme park and a Tractors for Charity event that raises money for local food pantries and Feed My Starving Children, among other events.
“We hope you agree that the peaceful farm atmosphere and the larger selection of products available in the market outweigh the extra drive time,” the newsletter said.