EDDYVILLE, Ill. – This summer has brought together people from all walks of life to explore and deepen their appreciation for the diverse agricultural landscape of southern Illinois through the Summer Twilight Series. Illinois Extension looks forward to the final installment of the series with a look at fall.
On Aug. 17, the series will wrap up at Friendly Farms in Eddyville. From a half-acre pumpkin patch in 2018 to producing thousands of mums, the farm has grown significantly. This session will highlight the farm's growth and production practices, marketing and sales, the challenges it has faced, and future expansion plans.
Friendly Farms is known for its giant mums, including Yoder and Belgium chrysanthemums in various colors and pot sizes. New this year, they have added a limited number of mums grown in bourbon barrels, their biggest mums yet! The farm boasts over 20 single-color and 10 multi-color varieties, as well as a two-acre pumpkin patch.
Whether you're a local producer looking to diversify, have an interest in selling fresh products, or are simply curious about where your food comes from, these evening gatherings are your chance to connect directly with the people behind the region’s vibrant food and farm economy. The series offers four unique on-farm learning experiences throughout the growing season. Each event highlights a different farm or direct‑market operation, offering attendees a close look at a wide range of production practices, marketing approaches, and innovative strategies shaping local agriculture.
The Aug. 17 program begins at 6 p.m. at Friendly Farms, 7 Friendly Lane, Eddyville, IL 62928.
There is no cost to attend, but registration is required. To register, visit go.illinois.edu/2026twilightseries or call 618-695-2441.
If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the upcoming event, please contact Bronwyn Aly at baly@illinois.edu. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your needs.
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 500 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through five program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, health and community wellness, and natural resources, environment, and energy.