Brunch opens with Dairy Dash

Kurowski Dairy of Bonduel will host the Shawano County Farm Bureau’s annual Brunch on the Farm on June 22.

Leading off the 31st annual event will be the inaugural 5K Dairy Dash and Stroll, at 7:15 a.m., with proceeds benefiting Feeding America, a nonprofit group with a mission to feed families in need.

“We are always looking to add something new, and to promote family fun,” said Deb Mielke, president of the Shawano County Farm Bureau. “We try to diversify the event every year.”

At 8 a.m., Mielke will lead the brunch’s nondenominational worship service for the third consecutive year.

Brunch consisting of scrambled eggs and ham, pork, sausages, hash browns, cheese, cinnamon bread, milk and juice will begin at 9 a.m. Participants in the dairy dash will be given a ticket to the brunch.

Kurowski Dairy co-owner Cletus Kurowski said the Farm Bureau first approached the family about hosting the brunch three to five years ago.

Cletus and his wife, Gloria, took over the 550-acre property in 1990 after Cletus’ parents purchased the land in 1975.

“We were honored to do it, but nerve-wracking right now,” Gloria Kurowski said Thursday. “But it gives people an opportunity to see what a dairy farm is like.”

The Kurowskis have 100 milking cows and 20 dry cows, and also grow corn and soybeans.

One of the attractions will be the swing parlor, where visitors observe the cow milking process.

“The main objective is to see how well the cows are cared for,” Mielke said. “It will have a live video feed of them and it allows people to see what they eat.”

The event also includes tours of the dairy, live music by KNX Party Band and a petting zoo. Games and activities for children will be available, including a bouncy house and barrel train rides.