The festival music line up at this time.
10am-12 SPB
12-1:30 Tom Shadonix
2-4 Tracy Smith
6-6:45 Banjo Kat
7-10 Brother Trucker
SouthStar Farms: Endangered Forest Herb Sanctuary and Nature Retreat and the home of The Maddest Hatter’s Tea Shack and Herbal Apoteke.
Twelve miles east of Pella. Iowa, and two miles east of the sleepy town of New Sharon, Iowa, sits an 18-acre tract of some of the remains of the Midwest Oak Savanna. Darren and Wendy Welder purchased this strip of land with the older existing structures early in 2017. After months of renovating the buildings, improving the ground, and replanting Iowan native plants while restoring and reforesting this small piece of the oak savanna, they are now excited to solidify and start the initial part of the long-term goals.
The inception of SouthStar Farm has been designed to provide a relaxing and enjoyable nature-based atmosphere with the long term goal of adding privately placed Air B&Bs. We want to provide a comfortable space, without the work of setting up a tent or the irritation of renting a room next to other guests. We will offer the seclusion of cabin rental with the benefits of a B/B all set in a farm/country setting.
As part of a hobby farm, guests can choose to interact with the animals and are free to join in with the everyday routine of upkeep and chores. There will be a large garden that will help supply vegetables and herbs and a greenhouse to extend growing seasons and offer a greater variety. Herbs and teas will be sold at the Tea Shack, which will also provide products and other merchandise and is scheduled to open in the summer of 2021. An orchard to provide fresh fruit with bees to pollinate the trees and provide honey to the guests is part of the more extended development plan. We will hopefully be able to start building on the cabins and this half of the project by fall 2021.
A private bonfire pit and sitting area will provide evening relaxation for guests to mingle with staff and others staying. The cabins will be spaced and landscaped to provide privacy, and each will have their unique design or theme. Similar to the tiny home movement, sustainable energy will be incorporate whenever possible. There will be a shelter house for gatherings, teaching, or rental and in the foundation stage. A small location will soon provide entertainment or small venues, and drawing diverse talent is also in the long-term plan.