Start of season 2024

Newsletter April 8, 2024

Now that our April snow has come and (almost) gone, it's time to get camping. Even though we still have snow, we hope the weekend brings enough sun to melt it and firm up the roads. On a related note, as a result of the recent snow, we now have a canoe-able river. So... yay for a strong river start.

Anyway, we're opening to our seasonal site family next week on Monday, April 8 and it looks like we're in for some warm camping weather.

In the spirit of spring renewal, here are a few reminders as we get our season started:

New family members:

1. Welcome to our six new seasonal members; we're glad you're here:

• Tim & Julie Fierke (S7)

• Daniel & Jennifer Hilkin (S403)

• Mike & Jodi Morse (S313)

• Darren & Tracy Nuese (S322)

• John & Brittany Wade (S404)

• Brian & Lisa Wunn (S321)

Camping:

2. Arrival: Run lots of water through your camper water lines to flush them out. This will also help activate the septic tanks since they've been dormant all winter.

3. Camper connections. Tie up all hoses and cords so that we can easily trim under and around your camper.
4. Septic hookup. Make sure your camper has a tight seal on the septic pipe. All lines should be PVC, no septic hoses. For new seasonal campers, we'll supply all the 3” piping and you can purchase the necessary fittings at the store to get these connections secured.
5. Firewood. Order a pallet of firewood (4'x4'x4') by replying to this message or letting us know in the office by Sunday, May 5th. The cost is $145 delivered to your site in shrink-wrap.

6. Picnic tables. If you need one at your site, please let us know. 
7. Canoes & kayaks. Store your personal river vessels on the racks in the Lean-to located behind the barn. Take spots that are open. Do not put them under nor around your camper; we can't trim  with your stuff laying around.
8. Golf carts. Have a heart! Be diligent about upholding the campground standards: (a) drive slow. (b) drive only on the roads. (c) drivers must be at least 12 years old/6th grade. Golf carts not recreational vehicles for kids--esp on weekends when we have a lot of additional campers. So please do not allow your kids to drive around in a golf cart full of more kids. 

9. Garbage. is picked up on weekends (9-10am & 4-5pm), so if you’re here during the week (or after we pick up on Sunday afternoon), you need to get your garbage to a dumpster. They're located next to the tube shed. Also, help your neighbors understand that everyone needs to tie up their garbage. Open garbage = unwelcomed critters.
10. Cardboard. Leave boxes outside with your tied-up garbage OR drop them next to the dumpster, and we’ll take care of them. Do not put cardboard (like Amazon & pizza boxes) in your garbage. It’s illegal in the state of Iowa to put corrugated cardboard in the landfill. And we will get fined.

Technology

11. WiFi. Your Seasonal WiFi network comes from a dedicated fiber optic signal just for you. It’s faster than the regular HFCR network, and requires a password-- Campon2024.

12. Website. Log into the Seasonal page on our website, wecamp.com/seasonal-login for seasonal-specific info, such as upcoming events, newsletters, and seasonal Facebook page posts. Use the same password as your WiFi network: Campon2024 (no username required). 
13. Facebook group. Join our closed Harvest Farm Seasonals group. Click the join button on our Harvest Farm public page, facebook.com/harvestfarmcampground. It’s a great space to organize seasonal activities and post pics and comments.

Rules to camp by.

We provide the attached map, rules, and pricing to all weekend campers so they understand the expectations for happy camping. Please be familiar with the details; campers look to you to model the example.

We'll be posting a message on Facebook and our wecamp.com website about opening to the public the weekend of April 12. Tell your friends and family it's time to camp! 

You know where to find me if you have any questions or just need my help.

Start of season 2023

It's finally happening. We're just about ready to camp. The roads are still a little soft but we're working toward this weekend (April 7) to open the campground for seasonals--who already have their camper here. If you need to bring in your camper, please contact me first so I can work with you to arrange for that to happen. Please do NOT just bring your camper this weekend.

More on start-of-season details shortly. First, let's welcome our new seasonal members:

• Sally & Robert Hertel

• Kim & Brian Dyer

• Phil & Connie Fleshner

• Kristy Kim & Erik Kleven

• Travis & Laurie Krull

• Brian & Carol Larson

• Robert & LaChelle Petzer

• Melissa & Sam Davidson

We're so glad you're here. Welcome to the Harvest Farm fam. And, now, let's review a few housekeeping items: 

1. Arrival: When you arrive at your camper, run lots of water through your lines to flush them out. This will also help activate the septic tanks since they've been dormant for five months.

2. Camper connections. Tie up all hoses and cords so that we can easily trim under and around your camper.

3. Septic hookup. Make sure your camper has a tight seal on the septic pipe. All lines should be PVC, no septic hoses. For new family members, we'll supply all the 3” piping and you can purchase the necessary fittings at the store to get these connections secured.

4. Garbage. is picked up on weekends, so if you’re here during the week (or after we pick up on Sunday afternoon), you need to get your garbage to the dumpster. You know where it is...next to the tube shed. Help your neighbors understand that everyone needs to tie up their garbage. 

5. Cardboard. Leave boxes outside with your tied-up garbage OR drop them next to the dumpster, and we’ll take care of them. Do not put cardboard (yes, even pizza boxes) in your garbage. It’s illegal in the state of Iowa to put corrugated cardboard in the landfill.

6. Firewood. Order a pallet of firewood (4x4x8) by letting us know you want one. The cost is still $120. It’s shrink-wrapped and delivered to your site. Deadline is Sunday, May 7th. 

7. Picnic tables. If you need one at your site, please let us know. 

8. Canoes & kayaks. Store your personal river vessels on the racks in the Lean-to located behind the barn. Take spots that are open. Do not put them under nor around your camper.

9. WiFi. Your seasonal WiFi network is a dedicated fiber optic signal just for our seasonal fam. It’s faster than the regular HFCR network and you need a password-- wecamp23.

10. Golf carts. Yes, they’re still allowed. But they’re not recreational vehicles for kids--esp on weekends when we have a lot of additional campers.

    1. Please do not allow your kids to drive around the campground in a golf cart full of more kids.

    2. Be diligent about upholding the campground standard for YOUR golf cart: (a) drive slow. (b) drive on the roads only. (c) drivers must be at least 12 years old/6th grade.

11. Facebook group. Join our closed Harvest Farm Seasonals group. Click the join button on our Harvest Farm public page, facebook.com/harvestfarmcampground. It’s a fun space for pics and comments.

12. Rules to camp by. Review the campground map & rules pamphlet we provide to weekend campers so you're familiar with the standard you're upholding. You model the example that other campers follow.  

We're planning on opening up to the public around mid April, probably the weekend of the 14th. We'll post an update on our Facebook page and website blog to let everyone know.

Seasonal Wi-Fi

Although we do have fiber optic Internet service now, we know there are still a few issues with the connection out at the campground. Harmony Telephone Co is aware and working hard to resolve the problems.. To this end, they will be installing a new tower and new radios in early May that will reach the dead zones and get us speedy connections throughout.

Your network and password will remain the same:

• HFC Seasonal

• wedighfcr22

Please keep up posted as to your Internet experience after the new equipment is installed so we can continue to followup with our ISP (Internet Service Provider) and ensure we are getting the stellar connection we are paying for.

Start of Season 2022

Greetings seasonal family,

We have lots to talk about at the beginning of the season, but first, a warm and sunny welcome to new members to our Seasonal family:

• Sandra Burkholder

• Joanne & Brian Koenigs

• Brandon & Christy Kobow

• Danny & Dawn Winkowitsch

• Juanita Nuss

• Greg Mitchell & Chris Smock

• Brian & Teresa Jones

• Nick Wolter

• James & Aubrey Roe

• Deb & Steve Burma

• Jerry & Sue Hansen

• Andrea & Louis Armellino

• Brandon & Taylor Burke

Next, we want to share a few "must knows" for all seasonal members. Please take note of the following:

1. When you first get here this spring, please run lots of water through your lines to flush them out. This will also help activate the septic tanks since they haven’t had any action all winter.

2. Your camper needs a tight seal on the septic pipe. All lines should be PVC, no septic hoses. The campground will supply all the 3” piping you need. I can help you with the fittings and equipment you need to accomplish these secure connections.

3. All hoses and cords need to be tied up so that we can easily trim under and around your camper.

4. Garbage is picked up on weekends, so if you’re here during the week (or after we pick up on Sunday afternoon), you need to get your garbage to the dumpster. You know where it is...next to the tube shed.

5. Also, it is illegal in the state of Iowa to put corrugated cardboard in the landfill--pizza boxes included. If you have empty boxes to dispose of, don't fill them with garbage, leave them outside with your garbage OR next to the dumpster--and we'll take care of them.

6. Your seasonal WiFi network is a dedicated fiber optic signal just for our seasonal fam. It’s faster than the regular HFCR network and you need a password-- wedighfcr22.

7. We are taking orders for pallets of firewood. The cost is $120. Like last year, they are shrink-wrapped and delivered to your site. Deadline is Friday, May 13th. If you miss it, you'll have to wait till next season.

8. Please store your personal river equipment (canoes and kayaks) on the racks in the Lean-to located behind the barn, not under nor around your camper. Pop them in the spots that are open.

9. We allow golf carts at the campground for your convenience; they are not recreational activities for your kids--esp on the weekends when we have a lot of additional campers. No one wants to see golf carts full of kids driving round and round the campground. So we all need to be diligent about golf cart driving: (a) drive slow. (b) drive on the roads only. (c) drivers must be at least 12 years old/6th grade.

10. If you need a picnic table at your site, please let us know in the office. We’re in the process of rebuilding them and will get you one soon.

11. Check out the Seasonal page on our website, wecamp.com/seasonal-login. You can log in with the same password as your WiFi wedighfcr22 and get Seasonal-specific information, such as upcoming Events/Activities at the campground, current Newsletters/Reminders we send out via email, and Community posts/discussions happening in our closed Facebook group for Seasonals only.

12. Speaking of Facebook. If you’re a user, join our closed Harvest Farm Seasonals group. You can request to join from our current public page, facebook.com/harvestfarmcampground. You can also invite other seasonal site members once you’ve been accepted. The group site is convenient for planning activities and sharing photos and info regarding all things seasonal at Harvest Farm.

Lastly, we have new campground maps and brochures at the office. Stop in and pick one up; the map includes our "Rules to camp by" so you're aware of the standard and the brochure includes our new prices for 2022.

Camp on everyone!!

Reminders in September

Dear Seasonal Family:

Just a reminder that Italian Fest is coming up a week from Saturday, September 25th. As you may or may not know, this is our annual candle-light customer appreciation potluck dinner... 21 years running. Yahoooooo! The campground supplies all the spaghetti, Italian sausages, and a red sauce. We also supply all the paper plates, eating utensils, and napkins (but some campers still like to bring their own special items). Although it's a BYOB event, we will have soda and bottles of water on hand for all those who want it. But feel free to bring your favorite beverage or bottle of wine to share with your neighbors.

We still need people to sign up in the office so we can get a beat on what we may need to fill in, but you can bring whatever you want: main dish, bread, salad, appetizer, dessert... you get it. Social hour starts at 5pm and we eat around 6pm.

Looking forward to seeing everyone there. Bring your friends and family... the more the merrier.

Also, we got fiber optics for Internet hooked up to the Barn by our Internet Service Provider.last month. We're still working on getting the fiber lines run out to the campground, so although your wifi speeds have probably improved, it's still a work in progress which we are hoping to complete as soon as possible. We know some people still have issues getting a wifi signal and Harmony Telephone is working hard to fix that problem. Thank you for your patience.

Any campers not planning on returning next year, please let us know by the weekend of the Italian Fest. We have seasonal campers who want to move around and new campers waiting to come in.

And by the way, you will see lots of mowed grass sitting atop the lawns throughout the campground. That's because our vacuum has been in the equipment hospital since April waiting for a special bearing and it's still there. As soon as it's released, we'll get the lawns cleaned up.

Once again, thanks for an amazing year. We are forever grateful.

2022 Seasonal Site Contract Renewal

As we come to the end of the season, we look to the beginning of another. It’s time to get our ducks in a row. This year we’ve seen serious increases in the cost of products, services, equipment, and, well, everything--as you all are certainly aware. And, we, too, need to raise our prices to keep up with the day to day costs.

Next season’s rates are: $2300 standard site, $2600 premium. If you will not be returning, please let us know by Sunday, September 19th. If you are planning on renewing your contract, you can do so with a $800 non-refundable deposit (cash or check) on or before Sunday, October 10, 2021. The remaining balance will be due next year in May 2022. If you would like to make payments throughout the winter, you can send them to the campground address above.

Please note the following dates for upcoming activities:

Saturday, September 25 is our annual Italian Fest (21 years strong). And for that, you can sign up in the office to bring your favorite entree, salad, dessert, appetizer, or bread item.

Sunday, October 16 is our Halloween festivities: Scavenger hunt, Potluck, Trick-or-Treating: 3pm, 5:30pm, 7pm respectively.

Sunday, October 24 is the closing date this year. We will be blowing out the water lines starting at noon.

PS. For our Labor day Seasonal Garage Sale this weekend, you can get balloons at Sherry & Mike Hayenga’s S323.

Thanks again for another great season. Remember, it’s all of you that make the campground what it is.

Camp on,

Dave

David Ferrie Campground Manager

June Updates

A few things we need you to know.

4th of July - The parade activities have been posted on our Facebook page, in our seasonal website page, and on the Events page on wecamp.com. Please join in the fun. Lights golf cart parade Sat, July 3 @ 9:30pm. Candy golf cart parade Sun, July 4 @ 6:30pm. Fireworks Sun, July 4 @ 10pm. Invite your friends and family. Open to the public.

New Trees at the campground - anybody who got a new tree in your yard, or if your neighbor got one but isn't here, please give it a drink. These first few weeks are very important to their health. And since it's hot and dry, water all the trees around you--even your established trees can use a drink.

Trimming - Tie up your electrical cords and your water lines so I can trim. You'll notice that I did not trim under any camper that didn't have their lines tied up. And I want those areas cleaned up! You know who you are... and so does everyone else. Please tie up those cords, asap.

Sewer lines - There are still a few sewer connections that aren't air tight. Check yours and address this immediately!!

Seasonal T-shirts & Hoodies - Anyone want to order seasonal apparel? The design is attached in case you need a quick review. All sizes are available, including youth. Cost will depend on how many we order, but generally, T-shirts start at $16 and Hoodies at $35. Add $2/size for 2X-4X. Reply to this email to order.

Firepits - Please quit using your fire pit for garbage. Seriously!! Read the Golden Rules of camping. In this case, it's #9.

No Golf Cart Left Behind - Anyone know who's silver golf cart was left abandoned in the Quonset Hut? Please claim it if it's yours. Or let us know who it belongs to.

Battery Charger - Someone borrowed one of our battery chargers. If you are done with it, please return it.

Directory 2021 - Please review the seasonal directory (attached) and let us know if there are any changes to be made to your entry.

Thank you for being good sports about turning your music down at 10pm. Everyone notices the difference and is grateful for the peaceful nights.

Golf carts - Likewise, please be gracious when other campers tell your kids to slow down while driving your golf cart--even when they have to tell them multiple times. We still have an issue with kids responding disrespectfully, racing golf carts, going too fast, and driving around with way too many kids in the cart. DON'T use the golf cart as entertainment for your kids. If you have an issue with any of this, come talk to me!

In closing, thanks for helping us get off to another stellar camping season. See you under the sun.

Opening info 2021

Welcome back seasonal family. Oh how we've missed you! Thanks for coming back. Below are a few things you need to know or do at the beginning of each season. Let us know if you have any questions.

First, a big warm sunny welcome to new members in our seasonal 20201 family.

• Ben Anderson - site #S4

• Rick & Betty Reicks - site #423

• James Aubrey - site #S313

Now, a little bit of this and that to help you remember all the ins and outs of transitioning into your summer home. If you need help with anything, you know where to find us… or each other.

• Septic pipe. Your camper needs a tight seal on the septic pipe. All lines should be PVC, no septic hoses. If you need the 3” pipe, we'll get it to you. Need help? Let me know.

• Hoses and cords. Tie them up so we can trim under and around your camper. When you connect your water hoses, flush the lines: let water run in your sink for a while. 

• Electricity. As always... be mindful of your AC usage. Do your part to conserve. In other words, don’t run your air during the week when you're not here. 

• Spring cleaning - Please clean out any unused or unneeded items, such as cement blocks, rocks, PVC pipe, garbage, etc. from under and around your camper. Set it by the road and we'll pick it up.

• Sheds/storage. No sheds, yes small storage containers. Look at the others around you and do likewise.

• Firewood pallets. Want one? Reply to this email if you do. Pallets of wood come stacked 4' x 4' and are usually enough for the whole season. Cost = $120 delivered. 

• Recycling. Still illegal to put corrugated cardboard in a landfill in Iowa--even pizza boxes. Leave boxes next to your garbage (weekends) or next to a dumpster (weekdays).

• Garbage. Still the same pick-up schedule: Weekends Only, twice/day: Friday-Sunday around 9a.m. & 4p.m. Please tie your bags and set them alongside the road. If you’re here during the week (or AFTER we pick up on Sunday afternoon), get your garbage to one of the four dumpsters located in front of the two silos near the entrance.  

• Canoes & kayaks. Please do NOT store them under or around your camper. Claim an empty rack in the Lean-to and store them there.

• Golf carts. We still have the same three rules:  (1) drive slow. (2) drive on the roads ONLY, not across the lawns. (3) drivers must be at least 12 years old/6th grade. Please.

• Site dues. The balance of your site rental for 2020-2021 is due by May 15, cash or check.

• Seasonal Directory. Please let us know if you want to add or change information in your listing.

• Website. The seasonal page on our website, wecamp.com/login is dedicated to seasonal family news, events, & updates. Check it out, the password is: love2camp21

• Facebook. There's a closed group for HFCR seasonal campers on our Facebook page. It's convenient for planning seasonal activities, sharing pics, and getting info. Request to join by completing the questions or invite a seasonal camper who isn't a member yet. 

• WiFI. We're expecting super speedy fiber optic connections sooner than later this season. Harmony telephone is finishing up the cable installation in our area. We're optimistically hopeful for a fast Internet. Like always, your seasonal WiFI network is a dedicated signal just for our seasonal family so you don't have to share bandwidth (speed) with weekenders. Password is the same as your seasonal login on the website (see above).

By the way, we designed a new logo last year for our 20 year anniversary… pretty awesome, right?!!

Closing day Oct 25 2020

WHAT A SEASON!!! Crammed with family, friends, campfires, and kayaking. Thanks for a great season, everyone. Thanks for all the laughs and joy and fun—even in the midst of covid. You guys rock!!

You probably already know… but we always close the campground on the last Sunday in October. This year, that’s Sunday, October 25th.

We’ll be turning off the water starting at 12:00 PM.

• You can store your golf cart in the quonset hut. Park according to the other carts that are in there already.

• If you haven’t paid your tab you can come into the office anytime. Yes, you can use a credit card.

• If Campsite is coming to winterize your camper, make sure they get to it before the water gets turned off.

• The gates will be open for a week afterward we close while we winterize the campground. Feel free to go to your camper during that time.

We only have three seasonal sites open for next season so we’ll be getting a few new families in spring. YaY! We’re looking forward to it already.

Stay warm, be happy.

Opening Info-May 2020

Welcome back seasonal family, It's time for season 2020! We know you love to camp. We do too!! This year, due to the current health pandemic, we’ve had to adjust just a bit. So, here’s a few updates for camping with CDC guidelines & social distancing, for now:

We are taking as many precautions as possible in response to sanitizing high traffic areas and deep cleaning every space, surface, and piece of equipment at the campground, around the yard, and in the store. We hope you do the same in and around your camper. The shower houses are open and will be cleaned and sanitized regularly, but feel free to wipe down surfaces before & after use to help maintain the standard.

Since we’ve been asked to continue abiding by the social distancing guidelines, please don’t get together in large groups—even around your campfire. And keep a healthy distance when there’s more than just a few in one place. The playgrounds are still closed; we’ve wrapped them in caution tape. We trust that you will do your best to uphold the standard… for now. Naturally, we’ll post updates as the situation evolves and improves. 

The store is open with it’s normal hours, Mon-Thurs 8am-6pm; Fri-Sat 7am-10pm; Sun 7am-5pm. Please stop in anytime. The salon is open Friday evenings 4:30pm - 6:45pm and Saturdays 9:30am - 2:30pm. You can make appts online at: wecamp.com/salon. The family rec room upstairs in the barn is still currently closed.

We’re looking forward to another awesome season, even though our global community is off to a weird start. The most important thing is to just continue to be your wonderful selves, be kind to others, and give someone help when you can.

Stay safe and happy!

Season 2020 Must-Knows/Must-Dos

Woohoo, it's finally time to camp! Welcome back. But as you may be aware, we're opening the campground only to seasonal camping at this time and with temporary conditions as we responsibly respond to the current public health situation. So, for the purpose of providing a safe and healthy environment for everyone, please:

• Continue to uphold the CDC guidelines for social distancing--both at your campsite and in the store. 

• Don't gather more than 10 people in one place--even around your camp fire. 

• Be aware that the shower houses and playgrounds are still closed. 

• Be advised that the store is open but with limited hours.

• Be mindful of others' whereabouts. 

• Sanitize your area and wash your hands often; you can buy hand sanitizer in the store. 

Anywho, you know what to do... be your wonderful, kind, thoughtful selves. And now for the more important things to know as we start camping: 

1. Hip hip hooray for our 9 new family members:

• Jean Braam / Cristal Hays (S8)

• Heidi Arens / Robert Erdman (S302)

• Chris & MarcieHall (S311)

• Chase & Ashley Huntley (313)

• Bob & Rhonda Moeller (S17)

• John & Sandy Heisler (S318)

• TJ & Heather Tigges (S325)

• Zak & Delaney Vreeland (S411)

• Christopher Martin/Laura Liffrig (S420)

• Mike & Victoria Tepley (S431)

2. A general list of start of the season MUST-DOs:

CAMPING INFO

Septic pipe. Your camper needs a tight seal on the septic pipe. All lines should be PVC, no septic hoses. The campground will supply all the 3” pipe you need. Let me know if you need help with the fittings and equipment to secure these connections.

Hoses and cords. They need to be tied up so we can trim under and around your camper. When you connect your water hoses, flush the lines by letting water run in your sink for a while. 

Sheds/storage. Well... sheds are not allowed, but storage containers are. They should be smallish, and conform with other storage containers around you.

Electricity. Please do your part to conserve. Don’t run your air for weeks at a time between visits. It doesn’t take long to cool your trailer down when you get here. 

Firewood pallets. In case you don't know, a pallet is a bunch of wood stacked 4' x 4', enough for the whole season--give or take. Cost $110 delivered. We'd like to get in our order this weekend so we can get the wood to you.

Garbage. It’s picked up only on weekends twice a day: Friday-Sunday around 9a.m. & 4p.m. Please tie your bags and set them along side the road for pick up. If you’re here during the week (or after we pick up on Sunday afternoon), you need to get your garbage to the dumpster. As you know, four dumpsters are located in front of the two silos near the entrance.  

Recycling. Yes, it’s still illegal to put corrugated cardboard in a landfill in Iowa. So if you have empty boxes to get rid of (including pizza boxes), leave them alongside your garbage (on weekends) or next to one of the dumpsters at the entrance (anytime). 

Canoes & kayaks. You can store your river vessels on racks that are empty in the Lean-to, please do NOT store them under or around your camper. 

Golf carts. Hmmmm. We only have three simple rules to follow:  (1) drive slow... or slower than slow. (2) drive on the roads, not across the lawns. (3) drivers must be at least 12 years old/6th grade. Let's go for 100% compliance this season.

3. A general list of start of the season MUST-KNOWs:

SOCIAL ACTIVITIESSeasonal Directory. Please look over the attachment and let us know what you want to add or change in your listing--especially those who are missing phone #s and emails.

WiFI. Your seasonal WiFI network is a dedicated signal just for our seasonal family. It’s faster than the standard HFCR network & secured with a password: wecamp2020.

Website. The Seasonal Login page on wecamp.com is dedicated to seasonal family news & updates. Check it out, the password is: wecamp2020.

Facebook. There's a closed group for seasonal campers on our Harvest Farm Facebook page. It's convenient for planning seasonal activities and fun for sharing pics & info with each other. 

Since it's the beginning of the season, we'd like to ask for every one to please clean out under your campers for any unused or unneeded items, such as: cement blocks, rocks, PVC pipe, and anything else you don't want. If you set it by the road, we'll pick it up. Also, since we're getting a little late start, we've extended the due date for the balance of your seasonal site to June 15. 

Finally, please know that you are loved. You are our rock, our family. We are grateful for the unique and joyful qualities each of you contributes to the whole campground and our healthy, happy camping environment. Thanks for being an awesome part of Harvest Farm; we appreciate you.

Seasonal Member Tees & Hoodies

As you can see, they're really awesome. We got a good response for the first order so we're putting in another one, Monday August 26. If you want a seasonal T-shirt and/or hoodie (and you're not already on the 2nd list), or you know someone who wants one (and they don't check their email), please let us know asap. We'd like to place the order sooner than later.

Also, if you ordered a T or hoodie and still haven’t picked it up your items, please do... asap. And that would be: Baltes, Bernard, Bigalk, Decker, Jans, Lipa, McKee, Miller, Stone.

Life really is better by the campfire.

Upcoming Events Aug, Sept, Oct.

Here are some of the events that are scheduled over the next few months so you can plan accordingly.

In order of when they are happening:

• Sat, Aug 31 - Labor Day weekend camper garage sale (start gathering your stuff now)

• Sat, Sept 14 - Corn bags Tournament/Soup 'n Such (never too early to get your throwing arm in practice, always great food items too)

• Sat, Sept 28 - Italian Fest pot luck (don't miss it, it's our 19th annual!)

• Sat, Oct 19 - Halloween party pot luck / trick-or-treating (esp awesome time for everyone)

Of course we'll post information about each activity prior to the event, such as time, location, and other relevant details.

See you there.

June Newsletter

Hi Seasonal Family,

We're off to a great start! We're camping in full swing and we're living the dream!! We just want to touch base on a few reminders::

1. The due date for paying the balance on your seasonal site was May 15. We forgot to remind you in our Welcome to Season 2019 letter and then again in a followup email, so some of you have forgotten to pay. Per your contract, "Any rental payments not received within 30 days [of the due date] shall accrue a late fee charge of 10%" which would have been June 15. BUT, we're extending the 30 day grace period to 45 days since we forgot (twice) to remind you (we know you're busy camping). Unless you have already made arrangements with me otherwise, please pay your site balance BY Sunday, June 30th.

2. The seasonal19 wifi connection is a secure, speedy network dedicated to our seasonal family members. Please don't share the password with others outside the fam... it slows it down for everyone else.

3. We managed to snag the limited edition Empty Nest wines that ran out at the wine tasting event last weekend: Simplicity & Dragonfly Dreams. They are still limited, so once they're gone, they're gone... until next year. They're in the store now.

4. Our staff have identified many campers that had their AC running full force while you were not here. Yes, of course we know who you are; we trimmed around your camper with a frowny face. Please be mindful, resourceful, and frugal when it comes to your AC. Turn if off when you leave for the week. Please and thank you.

5. Remember, you can use the same Seasonal Wifi password (Welovehfcr19) to log into your Seasonal page on our website, https://wecamp.com/login. There, you will find a copy of all of our correspondence & reminders to you, upcoming events at the campground, and links to the Seasonal-only Facebook page.

Updates - May

Now that we got the snow over with, let's get back to the business at hand, namely... camping. Here's a few more things that you should be aware of:

1. Wood Pallets: We will be ordering pallets of wood soon. We want to get them before Memorial day weekend. The cost is $105/pallet, delivered to your site. As in previous seasons, it's a one-time offer, as all pallets arrive here on one big semi-sized load, which are then delivered lovingly right to your site. Please let us know by May 15 if you want one.

2. Memorial Day Wine Tasting: We will be holding our annual wine tasting event with Empty Nest Winery on the lawn behind the Quonset on Saturday May 25, 6-8pm. As usual we'll have lots of snacks, give-aways, and limited edition wines. Tell all your friends and join us.

3. Salon: This season the salon will be open on Fridays 1-6pm and Saturdays 10am-4pm. We have a new (and easy) online scheduler--located on the salon page on our website: wecamp.com/salon, or you can call the office: 563-883-8562 to make an appointment.

4. Soggy sites: With all this rain, we still have three or four soggy sites and lawns that can't handle a heavy trailer yet. If you are one of those few who still need to move (or bring in) your camper, make sure you check with me, first.

Start of Season Info 2019

April, 2019

Welcome back. We’re really happy you’re here for season 2019. We’re opening the campground for you only this Friday, April 19. We’ll open up to the public next weekend. But now, it’s time to camp. Before we do though, we have several things to share with you. Some old, some new... although all of them are important, of course :). Read on…  

First, we want to enthusiastically welcome our new seasonal site family members:

• #S5 Carol Carlson & #S18 Mark & Denise Robinson

• #301 Greg & Kim Bremseth & #321 Karen McIntyre & #322 Mike & Deb Lange 

• #420 Charmaine & Brian Jans & #426 Christina & Bret Masek & #431 Mike & Colleen Zak 

Next, we’ll review a few start of the season items that are important to know:

Your Camper
-Electricity. Is a major expense for the campground. We need everyone to do their part to conserve. Please don’t run your air for weeks at a time between visits. It doesn’t take long to cool your trailer down when you get here.

-Septic pipe. Your camper needs a tight seal on the septic pipe. All lines should be PVC, no septic hoses. The campground will supply all the 3” piping you need. I can help you with the fittings and equipment you need to accomplish these secure connections.

-Hoses and cords. They all need to be tied up so that we can easily trim under and around your camper. When you connect your water to your camper, flush your water lines by letting it run in your sink for awhile. That will take out any air bubbles which will help the septic system to start working again. 

Campground

-Garbage. It’s picked up only on weekends: Friday-Sunday around 9a.m. & 4p.m. If you’re here during the week (or after we pick up on Sunday afternoon), you need to get your garbage to the dumpster. There are four dumpsters in front of the two silos near the entrance. 

-Recycling. in Iowa it’s illegal to put corrugated cardboard in the landfill. If you have empty boxes to dispose of (including pizza boxes), don't put them in the garbage. Leave them along side your garbage OR next to the dumpster and we'll take care of them.

-Your canoes & kayaks. Please store your river equipment on the racks in the Lean-to, not under nor around your camper. Put them in the racks that are open.

-Golf carts. They are not recreational activities for your kids--esp on the weekends when we have a lot of additional campers. In fact, your golf cart needs to be properly insured for use at a campground. We have three rules about golf carts: (a) drive slow. (b) drive on the roads only. (c) drivers must be at least 12 years old/6th grade. 

Social info
-Seasonal Directory. We updated our 2019 seasonal directory (attached) to reflect this year’s membership. Please look it over and let us know if you want to modify anything in your listing.

-WiFI. Your seasonal WiFI network is a dedicated signal just for our seasonal family. It’s faster than the standard HFCR network and it’s secured with a password: Welovehfcr19.

-HFCR Website. A new menu item, Seasonal Login, has been added to our website, wecamp.com. This page is dedicated to our seasonal family and you need a password to access it. The page  includes three sections:

Events & Activities calendar of things happening at the campground
News & Reminders about important information we sent you via email or newsletter
Community posts & discussions in our Facebook Seasonal-only (closed) group.

The password for Seasonal Login to is the same as your wifi password: Welovehfcr19.

Facebook. A new closed group, dedicated to seasonal campers has been created on our Harvest Farm Facebook page. You can request to join anytime. You can also add other seasonal site members once you’ve been accepted. The group will be convenient for planning activities and sharing pics & info regarding all things seasonal at Harvest Farm.

Okay, that’s enough to get us started, I think. Oh, wait. We updated the “Rules to Camp by” which appears on the other side of the map that we give to campers on the weekends when they check in. You’ll probably want to check your awareness of the rules, as they apply to everyone. But it will also provide you with a map of the whole campground to put on your fridge :)

Finally, anybody who has to move in a camper or relocate one already here, please check with me first; some of the lawns are still way too soft to drive over.

We’re so grateful to have such an amazing family of seasonal site members this year. Yep, every one of you. Thanks for being so great!

Passwords Season 2019

Seasonal Passwords

WiFI

The password for the Seasonal_19 wifi tower is: Welovehfcr19 (capital W no spaces)

Website

The password for the Seasonal Login page on the website is the same as wifi: Welovehfcr19 (for your convenience),