Preparing to host 5,000 hungry visitors
Curtis Kohls says he’s honored that Oconto County selected his family’s farm to host its 2023 Breakfast on the Farm on June 11.
As many as 5,000 visitors are expected to descend on the farm, 6214 Klaus Lake Road north of Gillett, where a breakfast of eggs with cheese and ham, sausage, pancakes and all the trimmings is being served from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. A Catholic Mass is planned at 7 a.m.
Curt and Maria Kohls own the farm and milk about 500 cows with their daughter, Michelle. They employ seven full-time milkers and a hired hand, Nick Klemens, who has worked for the family since he was 15 years old 25 years ago, Michelle Kohls said.
Michelle, who had helped deliver a calf about 20 minutes before being interviewed for this article, said she loves farm life because every day is different with its own set of challenges.
“I still learn something new every day,” she said.
She represents the fourth generation of the family at the farm established in 1944 by Edward and Bernetta Kohls. They passed the baton to Curtis’ parents, Ken and Mary Kohls.
A walking farm tour is among the highlights of Breakfast on the Farm, which Oconto County celebrates every year on the second Sunday of June Dairy Month.
Bouncy houses, a hay obstacle course and other family activities are also in the cards, as well as demonstrations and displays of antique farm machinery and live music.
Hundreds of volunteers, including 4-H and service clubs, collaborate to stir and serve the eggs, ham and cheese main dish, make fresh pancakes by the thousand, take tickets, direct drivers to parking spaces and otherwise keep the event running smoothly.
Advance tickets are available for $9 at Lena Faststop, Kelly Lake Kwik Stop, Pat’s Market in Gillett, Luigi’s Pizza Palace in Little Suamico, all NEW Credit Union branches and the Peshtigo National Bank branches in Oconto Falls, Gillett and Coleman. There will be a special line for advance ticket-holders, and tickets will be $10 on the day of the event.
715-526-2121 | 1464 E. Green Bay St., Shawano, WI 54166
