Week 1 in Region 4

Region 4 has been full of the arts this week. On Tuesday we received a tour of the Worth County Fairgrounds from Dennis Johnson, who showed us all the different art pieces of the grounds that truly make it a unique area compared to some others. They even had exercise stations installed, so that while people walk the trail that circles the fairgrounds, they can stop and get some other elements of exercise in.

Thursday we had the privilege of getting early access to the Art Farm, which is just north of Northwood. We met with Steve Hanson and his father Merle, and they gave us a run down of the farm. We got to see all the murals they currently have, and explained the plans they have in place for more pieces. They also showed and explained to us the future projects they have construction wise, like building a bar/grill area that’s going to have a pizza oven for people to utilize.

Friday morning we got to attend the Fresh on Fridays event at the Central Gardens in Clear Lake. They have a bunch of kid activities to get kids engaged with gardening activities. Some girls were set up selling succulents and herbs, while there was another couple that made strawberry rhubarb smoothies for people to try. They also sell bouquets of fresh flowers grown in the gardens, and the proceeds go back to the gardens. There is also a social aspect, as there was many senior individuals that gathered to walk the gardens, or even sit and chat over coffee. We were able to actually sit and chat with these members of the community and tell them all about our experiences at the art farm, as many of them had no idea that it was even up there.