When Kim and Roger Stokes planted their first blueberry field in 1978 it was a considerable gamble. That's the nature of any farming venture, because you can do everything right, but still be clobbered by mother nature. Fortunately for the Stokes family of Grand Junction in Van Buren County, the hard work, dedication and plenty of prayer quickly helped their small business enterprise to blossom.
After spending spare time after their full-time jobs sticking cuttings in their hand-made greenhouse, picking berries and selling plants, the farm expanded. Now, they own more than 500 acres of blueberries, a frozen-packing plant, fresh-pack plant and a nursery. In fact, they buy and sell for dozens of local growers.
By 2011 the couple's love for farming and community inspired them to add on a farm market and they created the Stokes Homestead Farm Market at 13988 CR 215 in Grand Junction and really ratcheted things up a notch. Now, as they prepare for their sixth season in business, the Stokes family owns more than 60 acres of strawberries, apples, asparagus, pumpkins and many other fruits and vegetables to go along with those blueberries.
All of the crops are sold in their Homestead Market, and it is truly a family affair with all three of their children, Jamie Stokes-Glowacki, Megan Stokes-Romano and Seth Stokes involved on the farm in one way or the other.
The sprawling market is far more than simply a fruit and vegetable stand. It is a full-tilt community center featuring all manner of events, fundraisers, outings, tours and more. In addition to the bounty of mother nature sold there, you'll find Hazel's Kitchen, a cafe and bakery serving breakfast and lunch in season from May through October…a wine and hard cider tasting bar…a store offering canned goods, jewelry, candles, woodwork and much more…wagon rides…U-pick options in the fields of the farm…local artists as vendors…and even field trips and tour group opportunities.
The market will open on May 19th and this year's Opening Weekend will take place on May 21st and 22nd after which they'll be open for the season right up until the end of October. You'll want to make plans now, however, for many of their events so you can get them on your calendar. Here's what you can expect to find this season at the Stokes Homestead Farm Market just 12 miles east of South Haven:
- May 28th & 29th — Memorial Day Hometown Heroes Weekend with free admission to all veterans of military service, active duty military, police, firefighters, first responders and their families
- June (TBA) — Yoga in the Orchards
- June 25th & 26th — Strawberry Jamboree Craft Show
- August 5th — Dinner on the Farm
- September 11th — Grandparent's Day
- September 17th — Dirt in the Skirt 5K, raising money for childhood cancer research with a goal of at least doubling last year's inaugural run tally of $2,500
- September 25th — Farmer's Appreciation Day
- September 30th — Shadow Hollow Haunt gets underway
- October 15th & 16th — Homestead Fall Festival
- October 28th — Feast & Fear Dinner
You can register online and/or buy tickets for individual events online by clicking the link below at any time.
As you can see, this is a family whose market has a mission to bring both fun-raising and fund-raising to the entire community. They were recognized in 2014 by the Chamber of Commerce as Innovative Business of the Year for all of the things they do. You can follow the market and its happenings and fruit and vegetable arrivals on their Facebook page, and you can learn more at their website by clicking the link below.
