As you approach the Single Oak Farm located at 1051 Highway 92, you see what looks like a well-kept working farm as are most farms are in that area…all the requisite farm buildings, nice white farm house, well maintained lawn and a splendid view. But, when you get to the driveway into Single Oak Farm and take a look at the beautiful iron farm sign, one instinctively says to themselves, hmmm, there’s more to this farm than meets the eye.

Upon meeting farm owner Marsha Ralston-Edlinger, you quickly realize there is a lot more to this farm than just buildings, beef cattle, crops and a horse boarding stable. This is a showcase farm that changes from year-to-year.

Ralston-Edlinger quickly offers a tour of the farming operation, the part you don’t see from the road and tells you, “A lot of things are new from last year. We try and add to the gardens each year!” The chickens, pigs, beef cattle, pigs and horses probably don’t care about the changes, and the family dog is quite happy to lay in the sun and greet today’s single visitor.

But on Sunday, June 26th, there will be little snoozing in the sun time for the dog, as the Edlingers welcome many guests to the farm for their annual benefit, Country Garden Stroll and pie auction, with all proceeds going toward several area food pantries, including Belleville, New Glarus, Mount Horeb and Blue Mounds.

This, the eighth annual Garden Stroll, was begun as a one-time fundraiser for a Habitat for Humanity, when a Habitat house was being built in nearby Mt. Vernon. The Garden Stroll was so well attended and appreciated the couple decided to continue the project each year, giving the proceeds to various charities.

This year’s Garden Stroll will begin at 2:00 p.m. and end at 4:00 p.m. The Edlingers invite you to enjoy the afternoon at their country garden, with music by Ron and Rosalie and bars, cookies and beverages as you wander about. Homemade pies will be auctioned off and silent auction items available for your bidding. If you’d like to donate a pie and/or silent auction item, it would be greatly appreciated.

In addition to donating to the above named food pantries, a part of the day’s proceeds will be given to a worthy cause. This year’s recipient will be nearby Donald Park’s Place of Contemplation (Cabin at the Spring Project).

This event is made possible with support from the Primrose Lutheran Church family, local businesses and Thrivent Financial Action Team. For further directions and information please feel free to call Marsha at (608) 832-4468.