Celebrate Fresh Sweet Corn During Rapid City Event
Come see where and how sweet corn is produced at RockValley Gardens during their ‘Life is Sweet’ event on the farm Sat., Aug. 17, 2024 from 3- 7 p.m. Mountain Time. The event will feature farm tours, games, a coloring contest, and plenty of tasty snacks showcasing sweet corn.
The free festival will take place at 7575 N Haines Ave., just north of Rapid City, S.D. Attendees can look forward to touring the farm and seeing the fields and how they grow their pesticide free, bi-color sweet corn. The farm also features a country store supplying fresh seasonal produce and South Dakota made products such as honey, cheese, cutting boards, beauty products, and more.
“Sweet corn was the first crop of RockValley Gardens, so we are excited to share and celebrate the wonderful product at the event,” owner Dawn Brimm said.
Owners, Dwayne and Dawn Brimm, started their commercial garden in 2011. Dawn came home from town and saw Dwayne plowing up a hay pasture. When asked what he was up to, Dwayne replied, “I am going to plant something.” Out of curiosity, Dawn asked what he wanted to plant. “Not sure, maybe corn,” he said.
That year they planted bi-colored sweet corn and the following season they expanded their vegetable production. They opened their country store in 2020.
The Brimms succession plant their sweet corn, meaning they plant over time versus at once, in order to expand the length of the season customers are able to purchase the product. They expect that their corn will be available throughout August, possibly into the first week of September.
RockValley Gardens Country Store is open Monday through Friday, 2-7 p.m., starting in July. They also sell produce at the Black Hills Farmers Market. Their farm also offers a beautiful barn-style event venue.
RockValley Gardens is one of eight retailers involved in the Fresher is Fun! Campaign, organized by the S.D. Specialty Producers Association (SDSPA) through a USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant. The participating retailers all offer specialty crops sourced from multiple producers, increasing variety, access and convenience for customers. The campaign hopes to increase awareness and sales of South Dakota grown fruits, vegetables, honey, mushrooms, flowers and other specialty crops.