By Penny L. Molina, Contributor

     In commemoration of its 70th anniversary, The Elegant Farmer, 1545 Main St., Mukwonago, will host a yearlong celebration featuring family fun events and a variety of food specials.

     The anniversary celebration kicks off on April 30 with the Simply the Best Pies Extravaganza. All three generations of Elegant Farmer fans from 1946-2016 are invited to visit the Elegant Farmer for a tasting of all of its delicious and award-winning pies from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

     In addition to the pie tasting, food recipes and thank you gifts, a special shopping experience will be offered throughout the day. Attendees are encouraged to bring along a favorite vintage photo from their visits to the Elegant Farmer for the 70th Anniversary Smilin’ Barn Memory Wall.

     “We want to thank everyone that has supported The Elegant Farmer over the years by hosting our 70th anniversary celebration,” said owner, John Bauer. “We invite families to come, have fun and share a story about when you visited [us].”

     Noted by Gourmet,Food Network and The Wall Street Journal as having the best pie in America, TheElegant Farmer has been making its signature Apple Pie Baked in a Paper Bagright in the Mukwonago/East Troy area for decades. 

     The Farmer Bakery bakes over a quarter of a million pies per year and ships them all over the nation through online sales and wholesale distribution to more than 300 locations throughout Wisconsin, Illinois and Michigan.

     The Elegant Farmer continues its 70th anniversary celebration with monthly specials and events throughout 2016, including its Wisconsin Blue Ribbon Cheese Fest from 11 a.m.to 3 p.m. June 18 and 19; Wisconsin Cheesemakers & Wine Train from 1 to 3 p.m. on June 18; Old Fashioned Farm Fair & Ice Cream Social from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on July 16-17; Grand Champion Cheese Tasting from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug.20-21; Autumn Harvest Fest from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Sept.10 through Oct. 23; and Santa’s Workshop with the East Troy Electric Railroad’s Christmas Express Train Nov. 26- 27, Dec, 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 and 18. 

It started with a farm stand

     The Elegant Farmer began back in 1947 as a roadside farm stand by Elmer and Dave Scheel, which grew into Davelmer Market in 1958.

     To encourage families to visit the Davelmer Market, the brothers pioneered the concept of customers coming to “pick-your-own” strawberries on their 65-acre farm. 

     In 1970, Elmer’s son Dan Scheel and his wife Karen took over the business and dubbed it The Elegant Farmer.

     Over the next 26 years, The Elegant Farmer expanded its business by introducing its famed Apple Pie Baked in a Paper Bag and Farm Kitchen, Bakery and Deli sections.

     Other specialtyitems that were developed and now include CiderBaked Ham, fruity applesauces,fruit crisps, jumbo muffins & cookies, fruit breads, gourmet sauces andseasonings, Blue Ribbon cheeses and old fashioned gourmet popcorn.

     With former owner Farmer Dan Scheel’s blessing, The Elegant Farmer was passed to its third generation of owners in 2005 as longtime employees, John Bauer and Keith Schmidt took over the helm, along with John’s brother, Mike Bauer. 

     Nowadays, this dynamic trio is committed to offering the quality and traditions that The Elegant Farmer has for 70 years: small town charm and simply the best foods to ensure strong, loyal customer relations.

     “We recognize the importance of continuing our 70 years of tradition at the Elegant Farmer,” said John Bauer. “The only thing we hope to change each year is to have more and more people from all over America enjoy the wonderful food offering that our friends here in Wisconsin have enjoyed for years.”

     The Elegant Farmer is open daily 8 a.m.-6 p.m. and closed Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. 

     For more information, call (262) 363-6770 or visit www.elegantfarmer.com.