ExperiEnce agricUltuRE

The sweltering heat is the first sign that summer has arrived. You know, the kind of hot that is hotter than hot. For Kristi Grooms Barnes of Fancy Farms Market, the sight of brightly colored zinnias popping up in the fields, just waiting to be clipped–and the little mouths stained with a blueberry cobbler in the market barn–are among the first sights of summer.

Barnes, the daughter of strawberry growers Carl and Dee Dee Grooms, knows that most people never see where their food comes from or have an opportunity to immerse themselves in agriculture, and she wants to change that. The u-pick zinnias are a great place to start–and serving up blueberry, blackberry, and peach desserts on a hot summer day doesn’t hurt either.

“My brother and I are going to continue my parent’s legacy and keep educating kids on where food comes from,” said Barnes in a previous FOCUS interview. “When kids visit the Market, I like to spend time with them in the field explaining what it takes to put food on their plate. It’s amazing how eager they are to learn about farming. We need the next generation of farmers.”

The Parke family opened Berry Sweet Acres in 2022, offering zinnias and sunflower u-pick opportunities at 5621 W US Hwy 92. Since its opening, the property now includes a “Barntique,” with trendy clothing and accessories. Announced new to this year’s flower crop, a flower field maze and yoga classes will be offered. For more information, follow Berry Sweet Acres on Facebook and Instagram.