Farmers in La Salle and DeKalb counties will join with members from 19 area churches in nine denominations, all participants in two Food Resource Bank growing projects, to celebrate the harvest on a farm near Somonauk Saturday, Oct. 17.

Food Resource Bank, a Christian response to world hunger, provides funds for projects in the developing world that helps farmers in those countries increase their food production, market the surplus from their crops and improve rural infrastructure.

For the fifth consecutive year, more than a dozen farmers in the Earlville and Somonauk area have each dedicated several acres of crops to the project, which are sold after harvest to raise money for the FRB.

Participating churches from Somonauk, Earlville, Leland, Sandwich, Plano, and several suburban communities such as Aurora and Downers Grove help defray the costs of planting and harvesting the donated crops through cash contributions.

The year's fall celebration will be at the farm of Stacey and Karleen Dolder on South County Line Road near Somonauk. The farm is found by taking Illinois U.S. 34 to South County Line Road, 0.6 miles east of Somonauk, turn south (across the railroad tracks) and continue another 0.6 miles to the farm. Handicapped parking and other amenities will be available.

The day-long party will feature activities including a bluegrass band, ice cream-making, laying hens, a cow/calf pair, sheep shearing, a hand corn sheller, wheat milling and weaving, apple cider pressing, pumpkin carving, horse-drawn wagon rides, a pedal tractor pull and races, wool spinning, face painting, butter-making, cow milking and soy candle production. There will also be old and new farm machinery on display.

The annual event, open to the public, will begin with an ecumenical worship service at 10 a.m. followed by a luncheon. There is no charge; however donations to FRB will be accepted.

This year, more than 200 growing projects across the country are bringing farmers, churches, and agri-businesses in growing and selling crops to benefit FRB.