Eckert’s Events Calendar

For more information, call (618) 233-0513

JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUNE
JULY | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC

JANUARY 2008

January 1-3

CLOSED

January 10

Wine Class – New Year's Resolution Wines (Belleville)

Happy New Year, and welcome to 2008!! If you are like us, you are wondering where 2007 went, but nevertheless 2008 is here….. are you ready for it? What New Years resolutions have you made? What plans do you have to make 2008 your best year yet? One of our resolutions for the year is to continue to learn about wine and provide informational wine tips to you. In this class we are going to focus on wines that are good for your health (which is usually at the top of everyone’s resolution list) as well as good for your pocketbook. Space is limited. Event will take place from 6pm – 8pm in the Country Store. $15.00/Person. Reservations are required; please call (618) 233-0513 to reserve your spot today!

January 14 & 28

Bunko (Belleville)

An old-fashion game for all ages. Play Bunko at Eckert’s Country Restaurant on the second and fourth Monday of each month. $5 per person includes game, prizes, beverages, and snacks. Open to the public. Dine in the Country Restaurant prior to playing Bunko and play for FREE. No reservation required. For more information call Eckert’s Country Restaurant at (618) 233-0513 x. 139.

January 24

Cooking Class – Italian Dinners & Pastas(Belleville)

The winter months are great for hearty Italian meals. Join Jill Tantillo as we learn several easy Italian favorites and try some new and exciting dishes, too! Class will take place from 6pm – 8 pm at Eckert’s Country Store in Belleville, Illinois. The cost is $25.00/person. To make reservations please call 618.233.0513.

January 26

Cooking Class – Italian Dinners & Pastas(Belleville)

The winter months are great for hearty Italian meals. Join Jill Tantillo as we learn several easy Italian favorites and try some new and exciting dishes, too! Class will take place from 6pm – 8 pm and Saturday, January 26th from 1pm – 3pm in the Country Store. The cost is $25.00/person. To make reservations please call 618.233.0513.

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FEBRUARY 2008

February 11 & 25

Bunko (Belleville)

February 14

Wine Class – Valentine’s Special (Belleville)

Treat your special Valentine to a romantic night out at our monthly wine class. We will have a variety of wines for you to try and delcious samples of Eckert products to go along with it. Class will take place from 6pm – 8pm in the Country Store in Belleville, Illinois. The cost is $25.00/person. To make reservations, please call 618-233-0513.

February 23

Cooking Class – Easter Brunch (Belleville)

Family celebrations, traditional recipes, and church services are the important features of Easter. At this class we will show you some traditional and more contemporary recipes your family is sure to love. The class also includes a menu that allows you to do much of the work in advance so you can relax and spend time with your family and friends. Class will take place from 1pm – 3pm at Eckert’s Country Store in Belleville, Illinois. The cost is $25.00/person. To make reservations please call 618.233.0513.

February 28

Cooking Class – Easter Brunch (Belleville)

Family celebrations, traditional recipes, and church services are the important features of Easter. At this class we will show you some traditional and more contemporary recipes your family is sure to love. The class also includes a menu that allows you to do much of the work in advance so you can relax and spend time with your family and friends. Class will take place from 6pm – 8pm at Eckert’s Country Store in Belleville, Illinois. The cost is $25.00/person. To make reservations please call 618.233.0513.

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MARCH 2008

March 1

Garden Center Reopens.

March 6

Open House

Join us from 5pm – 8pm in the Country Store to enjoy some the Eckert’s favorite recipes, a cooking demonstration, wine tasting, delicious samples of cheese, deli items, bakery goodies, and more! It is the perfect night out for the whole family.

March 10 & 24 – 6:30pm

Bunko Night (Belleville)

March 13

Wine Class – Cheese & Wine Pairings (Belleville)

This class examines the heights that can be achieved when fine, hand crafted wines are paired with cheeses made with the same care and understanding. Then discover the secret to purchasing, storing and serving both fresh and aged cheeses. Through both tasting and discussion, we'll teach you all the basic principles for successful cheese and wine pairings. We'll sample some classic combinations such as great big reds with blues as well as some contemporary, artisan cheeses paired with up-and-coming varietals. Space is limited. Event will take place from 6pm – 8pm in the Country Store. $20/Person. Reservations required; call (618) 233-0513 to reserve your spot today!

March 15, 16, 21 & 22

Breakfast With The Bunny (Belleville)

Did you know the Easter Bunny’s favorite meal is scrambled Easter eggs with a side of pancakes? Join the Bunny for breakfast at Eckert’s Country Restaurant from 8am until 9:30am for a hearty country meal to start this fun-filled day! Reservations are recommended. For more information call Eckert’s Country Restaurant at (618) 233-0513 x. 139.

March 15, 16, 21 & 22

Easter Egg-Citement (Belleville)

Hop on down the bunny trail and fill your basket with fun! Eckert’s Annual Egg Hunt, baby chicks & bunnies, face painting, a photo with the Easter Bunny, plant a seed and savor a yummy Easter treat! $12 per child. Easter Egg Hunts, the largest in Southwestern Illinois, will take place at 9:30am , 11am, 12:30pm., and 2pm each day. No advanced registration required. For more information call Eckert’s at (618) 233-0513.

March 23

CLOSED for Easter

March 27

Cooking Class-Chris Eckert’s Favorite Grilling Recipes (Belleville)

Grilling is the ultimate high-flavor, low-fat cooking method, not to mention the ideal taste of summer. Grilled vegetables taste sweeter; grilled meats stay more succulent; and even fruit is absolutely delicious on the grill! Join Chris Eckert to try some of his favorite grill recipes from 6pm – 8pm in the Country Store at Belleville, Illinois. Space is limited. $25.00/person. Call (618)233-0513 to make reservations.

March 29

Garden 101 (Belleville)

Turn your thumbs green with our intro to gardening class. Learn the difference between annuals an perennials, the basics of pruning, fertilizing, watering and easy tips on how to make your home friendlier for the environment. Bring your gardening questions too! Just $15/person. Call 233-0513 to reserve your spot today.

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APRIL 2008

April 5

Fruit Tree Seminar (Belleville)

Relish the bounty of your own personal orchard after attending Eckert’s Fruit Tree Seminar. Learn about the great variety of fruit trees available to homeowners, the basic of fruit tree planting and how to care for your home orchard from the Eckert family from 12pm – 2pm on Saturday. No registration required. Free. For more information contact Eckert’s Garden Center at (618) 233-0513 x. 120.

April 10

Wine Class – Essence of Wine (Belleville)

Angie and Chris have always been fascinated with the descriptions used by professional wine tasters – “hints of chocolate and raspberry” or “beautiful herbatious overtones of fresh cut grass” – yeah, right. But recently, they have been working to understand these flavors and scents, also known as essences, more thoroughly. When they take in the aromas of a Pinot Noir alone, they enjoy what they experience but could not put their finger on what they smelled. But when they have a glass of fresh cherries to compare it to, the cherry aromas jump right out of the Pinot.

This is the inspiration for our essence of wine class. We are going to pair some of their favorite wines with some conventional and non conventional fruits, herbs and other scents to help us describe the wines more effectively. Our hope is that we all leave the class with the confidence to describe wine more effectively and understand write ups from the pro tasters. Please join us to explore the “essence of wine”. Space is limited. Event will take place from 6 p.m. – 8pm in the Country Store. $20.00/Person. Reservations are required; please call (618) 233-0513 to reserve your spot today!

April 12

Barks 'N Bloom (Belleville)

Calling all dog lovers, bring your favorite four-legged friend out to Eckert’s to take part in a fun day on the farm. There will be plenty of activities for you and your pet to enjoy including pet costume contest, pet photos, walk through the orchard, doggie swimming pools and much more. The Belleville Humane Society will be here with pets to adopt and they will also provide microchipping for $20. Pooch photos and picnic with your pet available all day.

April 14 & 28 - 6:30pm

Bunko Night (Belleville)

April 17

Garden Class – Continual Color (Belleville)

April 24

Cooking Class – Strawberry Favorites (Belleville)

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MAY 2008

May 3

Custard Shop Opens

Just in time for the warm weather, enjoy Eckert’s Frozen Custard with lots of fresh fruit toppings as well candies and CHOCOLATE, of course. You can have any flavor, as long as it is vanilla. Open daily from 11am – 8:30pm.

May 8

Wine Class – Girls Night Out(Belleville)

Calling all gals! We found that while a lot of guys get a “night out” that a lot of girls didn’t have their own night – so we created one! So gather all of your friends, your organizations or your family and visit us. This is a chance for ladies to hang out together, learn about some great wines in an informal setting and socialize, network and just have fun (without guys)!

May 11

Mother's Day Out (Belleville)

Treat Mom to a home-cooked meal without the dishes at Eckert’s Country Restaurant! Our special Mother’s Day menu will delight Mom and satisfy the kids. Call ahead and arrange to have one of Eckert’s flowering plants delivered to your table as a surprise gift for Mom. Afterwards Mom will enjoy a FREE dessert. For more information or to make reservations, call Eckert’s Country Restaurant at (618) 233-0513 x. 139.

May 12 & 26 – 6:30pm

Bunko Night (Belleville)

May 15

Garden Class – Container Gardening (Belleville)

May 17 & 18

Strawberry Festival (Belleville)

This is the weekend to share with family and friends. And what better place to share it than the family farm! Enjoy outdoor festival foods, kettle corn, roasted sweet corn and country music at this old-fashioned all-American festival. Free wagon rides. Live music from Noon – 4pm each day. Kid’s activities include pony rides, children’s play area, petting farm, carnival rides, and inflatable. Strawberry treats in the bakery, custard shop and restaurant! Fee charged for some activities. 9am – 5pm For more information call (618) 233-0513.

May 22

Party in the Garden (Belleville)

A benefit fundraiser for the Missouri Botanical Garden. Wine and food tasting, fun and informative stations will include gardening and floral arranging demonstrations, and Missouri Botanical Garden experts on hand to answer your questions. Attendance prizes. A great evening of garden-related entertainment for $15.00 per person ($10 for Garden Members). Event will take place from 5:30pm – 8pm at Eckert’s Garden Center in Belleville, Illinois. Proceeds raised support the Garden's outreach efforts in Illinois. Reservations can be made through Eckert’s by calling (618)233-0513 or through the Garden by calling (314)577-0291.

May 24

Strawberry Bike Ride (Belleville)

Enjoy the rural country side as you pedal 14, 22 or 41 miles. FREE coupon for a small child-size cone or 50 cents off the price of a sundae from Eckert’s Old Fashion Custard Shop. Registration starts at 8:30am The cost for the ride is $8 for Hostling International members, $10 for nonmembers and $1 for children 14 years old and younger riding with an adult. Flat, marked roads with a few small hills make this a delightful ride. SAG service provided by The Cyclery. Sponsored by Gateway Hostelling International. For more information visit www.gatewayhiayh.org

May 24, 25 & 26

Memorial Weekend Festival (Belleville)

May 31

Gardens in Bloom

Love plants? Be sure to stop by Eckert’s Garden Center to purchase tickets to the Gardens in Bloom tour. The event will take place from 10am – 4pm in East Belleville area. Advanced tickets cost $8.00 or you can buy them the day of the event for $10.00. Tour day includes: plant sale by University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeneres at Union United Methodist Church & Garden Tour (you will receive a map upon purchase of tickets). Eckert’s Garden Center is a proud sponsor of the event.

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JUNE 2008

National Perennials Month (Belleville)

Gardeners will appreciate the great deals & displays of beautiful perennials throughout the month of June. Perennial gardening tips and guides.

June 9 & 23 – 6:30pm

Bunko Night (Belleville)

June 12

Wine Class – Local Foods & Wines(Belleville)

June 15

Father's Day

Stop by Eckert’s to pick up all of your grilling needs for this Father's Day. No time to grill...make your Father's Day Reservations in our Country Restaurant today!

June 26

Cooking Class – Summer Salads (Belleville)

Get some great new recipes for light and easy foods to enjoy on those hot days of summer. If there's one food that really captures the essence of summer, it's salad. All kinds of beautiful, ripe produce are now in. When fruits and vegetables are at the peak of their season, there's no need to do anything fancy with them – they're just perfect for enjoying in their simplest form. Class will take place from 6pm – 8pm at Eckert’s Country Store in Belleville, Illinois. $25/Person. To make reservations please call (618)233-0513.

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JULY 2008

July 4

CLOSED for 4th of July

July 8 & 28

Bunko Night (Belleville)

July 10

Wine Class – Summer Whites & Sangria (Belleville)

Summer is white wine season! From the tried-and-true to the unusual, we will taste 4 wines and 3 sangrias that are perfect on a hot summer day. You will have a chance to compare and contrast varietals as well as sampling some food options that work fantastically with these selections. Space is limited. Event will take place from 6pm – 8pm in the Country Restaurant. $15/Person. Reservations are required; please call (618) 233-0513 to reserve your spot today!

July 24

Cooking Class – Homegrown Recipes (Belleville)

This is our favorite time of year when all of the freshest produce of the season is in, so join Jill Eckert Tantillo as she will show you how to incorporate the most wholesome homegrown products into every aspect of your meal. Class will take place at Eckert’s Country Store in Belleville, Illinois from 6pm – 8pm. $25/Person. To make reservations call (618)233-0513.

July 26 & 27

Peach Pedal (Belleville)

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AUGUST 2008

August 11 & 25 – 6:30pm

Bunko Night (Belleville)

August 14

Wine Tasting – What's the Score? (Belleville)

Have you ever found yourself standing in the wine department completely confused by all of the labels and wine ratings? Join us as we will help you uncover what the scores mean and how to read them. Space is limited. Event will take place from 6pm – 8pm in the Country Restaurant. $20/Person. Reservations are required; please call (618) 233-0513 to reserve your spot today!

August 23

Pick Your Own Apples (Belleville)

Pick-Your-Own Honey Crisp Apples opens today at the Belleville Farm. This is a new variety of apple and the first apple of the season. Pick-Your-Own will be open daily from 9am and the last wagon will go out at 6:30pm. As always we encourage you to call the harvest hotline before you come out to pick so you have the most current crop information.

August 23 & 24

Honey Crisp Weekend (Belleville)

August 28

Cooking Class – Express Dinners (Belleville)

This time of year time is on the essence with kids going back to school and schedule changes...who has time to think about complex meals? We have you covered with express dinners that you can throw together in no time that are quick, delicious and nutritious all at the same time. Class will take place at Eckert’s Country Store in Belleville, Illinois from 6pm – 8pm. $25/Person. To make reservations, please call (618)233-0513.

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SEPTEMBER 2008

September 1

Apple Picking Begins (Millstadt & Grafton)

Ride the wagon out to the orchard to pick-your-own apples. For more information call Eckert’s Harvest hotline at (618)233-0513 x 1 or (800)745-0513 x 1.

September 1-14

Bloomin' Bucks Days (Belleville)

Time to harvest some great savings when you redeem your Bloomin’ Bucks at Eckert’s Garden Center . Beautiful shrubs, trees and bulbs are ideal for fall planting. Great landscaping ideas, decorative gardening accessories and much more will have your lawn and garden looking great! For more information, contact Eckert’s Garden Center at (618) 233-0513 x. 120.

September 8 & 22 – 6:30pm

Bunko Night (Belleville)

September 11

Wine Class – Old World vs. New World Wines (Belleville)

One of the great debates in the wine world today is over the differences between wine coming from the New World (USA, Australia, South America, South Africa) versus those of the Old World (Spain, France, Italy). Wine has the ability to create great passion, Old World vs. New World being the basis of one of them. This evening we will explore wines from around the world that feature the various characteristics -- so you can decide for yourself! Space is limited. Event will take place from 6pm – 8pm in the Country Restaurant. $15/Person. Reservations are required; please call (618) 233-0513 to reserve your spot today!

September 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 & 28

Apple Fest (Belleville, Grafton, Millstadt)

Wagon rides, music, live entertainment, great festival foods, children’s activities and much more make this an apple pickin’ good time for everyone! Whether riding a pony or feeding a goat, your young ‘uns will enjoy getting acquainted with common farm animals. Children’s carnival and/or activities at all three farms. Funnel cakes, roasted sweet corn, caramel apples and more to tempt your taste buds.

September 19, 20, 26 & 27

Haunted Hayrides (Millstadt)

There’s lots of ghoulish fun for young and old during this hayride through Eckert’s haunted orchard. Haunted hayrides take place every Friday and Saturday night (after the sun goes down) through October 28th. Fee charged. For more information call Eckert’s

September 20

Volksmarch (Belleville)

Join us for a leisurely walk through the orchard. 5K and 10K courses available. Registration is from 8am until noon and over by 3pm. Racers will begin in the Fun Corral area across from Eckert’s Garden Center. The walk costs $3 per walker and is open to everyone and all ages are welcome. An adult must accompany children under the age of 12. Water and apple cider will be provided at the start and finish line. For more information please contact Shirley at samartin11@charter.net.

September 20 & 21

Scouting Weekend (Millstadt)

Enjoy a fun-filled day on the farm picking apples, visiting farm animals, and exploring the farm’s exciting attractions. All Scouts in uniform will receive free admission to the Fun Farm.

September 25

Cooking Class – Fall Bounty (Belleville)

Relish in the bounty of the season and enjoy all of the wonderful crops this time of year brings including cooking with apples, squash and pumpkin to just name a few. Class will take place at Eckert’s Country Store in Belleville, Illinois from 6pm – 8pm. $25/Person. To make reservations, please call (618)233-0513.

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OCTOBER 2008

October 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25 & 31

Haunted Hayrides (Millstadt)

There’s lots of ghoulish fun for young and old during this hayride through Eckert’s haunted orchard. Haunted hayrides take place every Friday and Saturday night (after the sun goes down) through October 31st. Fee charged. For more information call Eckert’s

October 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25 & 26

Jumpin' Pumpkin Jamboree (Belleville, Millstadt & Grafton)

Ride the wagons out to the pumpkin patch to search for your great pumpkin. Our pumpkins range from a couple of pounds to more than 150 pounds so we are sure to have the perfect jack-o-lantern for you! Wagon rides, country music, live entertainment, pony rides, make-your-own scarecrow, funnel cakes and festival foods make this a fun-filled weekend for everyone! Children's activities. Petting farm. For more information call Eckert’s as (618) 2330513.

October 9

Wine Tasting – Wines Down Under(Belleville)

Australia is the 6th largest producer of wines in the world and is steadily picking up steam. From regions in the south to the West Australian Shiraz's and Chardonnay's are receiving world-class awards. New Zealand exploded onto the wine scene in the 80's with and has never looked back. We will taste a selection of wines from Down Under as our wine specialist’s introduce and taste with you a selection of wines from Australia and New Zealand. Space is limited. Event will take place from 6pm – 8pm in the Country Restaurant. $15/Person. Reservations are required; please call (618) 233-0513 to reserve your spot today!

October 13 & 27 – 6:30pm

Bunko (Belleville)

October 23

Cooking Class – Eckert Family Favorites(Belleville)

Recipes have been passed down from our family for many years, we have shared many of our favorites with you in our country store and restaurant. Join the Eckert Family as they share some more of their family's secret recipes with you. Class will take place at Eckert’s Country Store in Belleville, Illinois from 6pm – 8pm. $25/Person. To make reservations, please call (618)233-0513.

October 25 & 26

Costume Carnival (Millstadt)

Put on your costumes and come out to the farm for a real fall treat. Anyone with a costume on will receive FREE admission to our entertainment farm. There will be a costume parade at 2pm each day and plenty of fall fun. Be sure to bring something to gather goodies in as we will have trick or treating available for the children both days!

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NOVEMBER 2008

November 8

Cooking Class – Holiday Appetizers (Belleville)

Join us for a festive class filled with elegant holiday appetizers. You will learn how to plan and prepare appetizers for great holiday get-togethers. Whether you are in need of an appetizer to bring to a party or planning your own, this class will provide you with some outstanding recipe choices. This class is a must for the busy holiday season. Class will take place at Eckert’s Country Store in Belleville, Illinois from 1pm – 3pm. $25/Person. To make reservations, please call (618)233-0513.

November 10 & 24 - 6:30pm

Bunko Night (Belleville)

November 13

Wine Class – Reserve Wines (Belleville)

We like to call these wines celebration wines. With the holiday’s right around the corner, this is a great time to buy some “celebration wines” for your own celebration. We will be tasting seven of our most premium wines and pairing them with courses we like to serve at our family celebrations. We guarantee you will leave having sampled some of the best wines ever and some of the best food ever. Come and celebrate with us. Event will take place in the Country Store from 6pm – 8pm. Space is limited. $25.00/person. Reservations are required; please call (618) 233-0513 to reserve your spot today!

November 15

Cooking Class – Holiday Appetizers (Belleville)

November 20

Holiday Open House (Belleville)

Enjoy some of Eckert’s favorite recipes, a cooking demonstration, holiday decorating ideas, wine sampling and holiday food. We will share wine pairing ideas, delicious samples of cheese, deli items, bakery goodies, hot spiced cider and more. Santa will be on hand to visit with the children while you are finding the perfect holiday gifts for everyone on your lists. Open House will take place in Eckert’s Country Store & Garden Center from 5pm – 8pm. Free.

November 27

Closed for Thanksgiving

November 28

Christmas Tree Farms Open (Belleville/Millstadt)

Come experience a crisp winter’s day enjoying the beauty of more than 40 acres of lush evergreen forest as you search for the perfect Christmas tree. We will provide the saw (you provide the elbow grease!) to cut your tree. Our full service Christmas tree farm will provide free shaking and baling of your tree. Pre-cut trees, artificial trees and ten foot tall Great Room trees also available. For more information call Eckert’s at (618) 233-0513.

November 29 & 30

Gingerbread House Workshop (Belleville)

For those who have always longed to build a gingerbread house but were intimidated by the thought, here is your chance to create a beautiful display for the holidays. We provide all of the supplies and the guidance. You provide the creativity! Great for young and old. $12/Gingerbread House. Join us between the hours of 10am and 2pm in the Country Store. For more information call Eckert’s at (618) 233-0513.

November 29 & 30

Breakfast With Santa (Belleville)

Join us for a meal with Santa on the farm! Children can tell Santa their Christmas wishes. Santa has a special gift for each child. We will capture the moment in a photo of your child with Santa. Reservations are suggested. A buffet style breakfast will be provided from 8am until noon. The buffet includes: scrambled eggs, crisp bacon, sausage links, dollar pancakes, biscuits and homemade sausage gravy. $12.95/child; $7.95/adult. For more information or reservations, call Eckert’s Country Restaurant at (618) 233-0513 x139.

November 29 & 30

Holiday Storytime (Belleville)

Your children will sure to be entertained during our holiday story hour. The kids will be enjoy hearing the story of the gingerbread man. After the story is over, each child can make a gingerbread craft. Fun for kids of all ages. FREE. Story will be told at 11 am, 1pm and 3pm in the Garden Center. For more information call Eckert’s at (618) 233-0513.

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DECEMBER 2008

December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 & 21

Gingerbread House Workshops (Belleville)

For those who have always longed to build a gingerbread house but were intimidated by the thought, here is your chance to create a beautiful display for the holidays. We provide all of the supplies and the guidance. You provide the creativity! Great for young and old. $12/Gingerbread House. Join us between the hours of 10am and 4pm. For more information call Eckert’s at (618) 233-0513.

December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 & 21

Breakfast With Santa (Belleville)

December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 & 21

Holiday Storytime(Belleville)

December 8 & 22

Bunko Night (Belleville)

December 11

Wine Class – Holiday Wines & Foods (Belleville)

With the holiday season in full swing, entertaining friends and family is part of everyone’s schedule. But how can you take your party or holiday dinner from average to amazing? In this class, we will discuss the secrets. From setting up the perfect cheese and wine spread to deciding what to drink with those tough-to-pair holiday specialties, we will cover all the basics this evening. Be prepared to entertain like you never have before. Space is limited. Event will take place from 6pm – 8pm in the Country Store. $30/Person. Reservations are required; please call (618) 233-0153 to reserve your spot today.

December 24

Farm will close at 4pm

December 25

Closed for Christmas

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Wondering what's Happening this Week at Eckert’s? Call our farm hotline (618) 233-0513. Press 1 for Belleville and Millstadt. For Grafton call (618) 786-3445.