Our 2023 Annual Meeting and Member Picnic was on September 10, 2023 at the Charles and Jean Kestel Farm in Frankfort, IL. It was a beautiful day with over 60 members, family, and friends in attendance. We had a great variety of food including the main course grilled by Fred Lestina, Jr and Jay Roesel. Jean had beautiful fall decorations, plants and floral arrangements.

Our election resulted in the addition of Jerry Kinsella while Roger Rainford stepped off of the Board. We are grateful for Roger’s many years of volunteering on our Board. Brad Eike will remain as President, Lane Heatherwick will remail as Vice President, Fred Lestina, Jr will remain as Treasurer, and Andy Rousonelos will begin as Secretary. Other Directors include Charles Kestel, Bob Homerding, Ron Schubbe, Alan Heatherwick, Henry Rues, Brian Kestel, and Jerry Kinsella.

We got a first look at our 2024 Pedal Tractor for our raffle and raffled off plants and souvenirs to attendees at the picnic. Ron and Sue Schubbe posed with their 2023 Show King and Queen banner. Thank you to Charlie and Jeannie for being such gracious hosts, to everyone for bringing all the delicious food, to our Board of Directors volunteers, to our set up / clean up volunteers, and for all who attended!

Photos taken by Jess Crane and Bob Homerding.