I Have An Idea

I've been thinking a lot lately about what we all have in common. What is it about our culture, our place in Western Wisconsin and our experiences that draws us together as one? What is a commonality we can all talk and laugh about together?

Asian Beetles Collecting on a Forgotten Window Sill

Well, as I dragged one of the many vacuum cleaners around the house the other day and chuckled about how I never even put it away between October and May, it dawned on me exactly what it is we could celebrate together!

Friends, I know that out here in Western Wisconsin and Eastern Minnesota the infestation of Asian Beetles and Boxelder Bugs into our homes is our common thread! I can gather with any neighbor and share stories about the millions of bugs that swarm our homes starting when the soybeans are harvested and ending the first week in May. We share tales of whether we have more boxelders or more beetles, share tidbits about organic or other sprays...nothing seems work either way. We laugh when we find we are all OCD as counting these bugs seems a natural response to their presence. And most of us understand when we stop in for a visit why the vacuums are strewn across the floor. It's not worth putting the machine away because more bugs will soon surface.

Don't you think it would be fun to host a huge celebration in honor of these little crawlers...well, actually in honor of their departure? I can see a festival including a parade with huge puppets, everybody in masks playing the bugs, or vacuum cleaners or spray bottles. I can see skits put on, tongue in cheek about the window and wall washing needed as we clean up after these little creatures who leave behind tiny spots of orange and brown. Think Mardi Gras in its raucous celebratory nature with loud and festive music as we revel and show appreciation for our few months of reprieve.

These bugs, my friends, are a significant component of our culture, and one we all just sweep under the carpet and ignore. The fact that we endure eight months of infestation in our homes is character and community building. I love the idea that such an irritating thing could be poked fun of, celebrated and enjoyed by all of us who share this common experience. Plus, just think of how such a funny thing could be a draw for tourism! Our festival could be bigger than The World's Largest Ball of Twine or dare I say, The House on the Rock! People would come from far and wide to be part of our shenanigans.` People would come from far and wide to witness a community celebrating with such joy and silliness.

I've been keeping track the last couple of years and find that the Asian Beetles usually leave the house quite suddenly sometime between May 6 -10th. I haven't figured out what happens outside that inspires their sudden departure, but I have learned over the years, that once they leave, I can again, store the vacuum cleaners in the closets! This alone is cause for celebration! But, other than dusting a few little statues of beetles I have around the house, their departure is celebrated with a mere sigh of relief. This year, it may be time to launch a raucous celebration to bid farewell for a few months to the bugs that make me batty the rest of the year!

Reach out if you want to start a planning committee!

Sending Love from the Farm,

Sarah

The Farm Store is full, full, full of goodness and ready for your visit.

Open daily 9-6. N1972 420th Street, Maiden Rock, WI.