🎉 Step Into History — The Heritage Festival Kickoff Is Here! 🎉

The Marbold Farmstead has stood since 1851, a place where innovation, community, and German‑American heritage shaped Central Illinois. This year, as the Farmstead celebrates its 175th anniversary, the grounds come alive again for the Marbold Heritage Festival — September 12–13, 9 AM–3 PM.

🌾 Two Days. One Legacy.

The Heritage Festival isn’t just a celebration of the Marbold story — it’s a celebration of your story, our community’s story, and the families whose roots run deep across Menard County.

🚴‍♂️ Tour de Heartland Bike Ride

Kick off the weekend with the Third Annual ride:

• 11 miles — casual & family riders
• 17 miles — intermediate
• 50 miles — adventurous Starts and ends at the Farmstead, with food and festivities waiting at the finish.

🏡 Explore Elmwood — The Marbold Home

Self‑guided tours all weekend, plus guided tours at 9:30 AM and 1:30 PM. Interpreters share stories of daily life, innovation, and the Marbold family’s journey from German immigrants to community leaders.

🌳 Are You Related?

The expanded Marbold genealogy display may reveal connections you never knew existed. Barbara Van Dyke‑Brown reminds us: “It’s no longer their story — it’s yours.”

German Heritage Comes Alive

• Springfield International Folk Dancers — Saturday at 10:30 AM & noon
• Authentic German cuisine — Sunday from the German Food Truck
• Shick Shack BBQ, grilled favorites, baked goods, and ice cream from Corner Cup

🎶 Live Music All Weekend

• Peaches & Bacon — Saturday, 12:30–1:30 PM

🚜 Hands‑On History

• Wagon rides
• Vintage tractors
• Working steam engines
• Blacksmith demonstrations
• Civil War reenactors: 114th Infantry, Field Hospital & 10th Illinois Cavalry
• Artisan vendors: cigar box guitars, goat milk soap, honey, textiles, ceramics & more

👧 Children’s Activities

Hands‑on fun in the Corn Crib, plus a scavenger hunt across the grounds.

🔶 Become Part of the Legacy

Commemorate the 175th anniversary with a personalized $175 legacy brick installed on the south walkway.

🎟️ Admission

Recommended donation: $5 per person Kids under 12: Free Rain or shine.

More details at www.marboldfarm.org