From Tragedy to Hope: How the Make a Farmer Foundation Is Changing Lives | 2026 Festival Preview

Learn how one local family turned tragedy into a mission that's changing lives across the region.

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long sits down with Megan Carlson, Vice President of the Make a Farmer Foundation, to discuss how the organization was created in memory of Jaden Hansen and how it is helping students pursue careers in agriculture and the skilled trades through scholarships.

Megan shares the inspiring story behind the foundation, the incredible success of its first year, and details about the 2nd Annual Make a Farmer Festival, which raises money to support future scholarships. Find out what attendees can expect, including a car, truck, and tractor show, live music, bounce houses, a silent auction, family activities, and more.

If you're looking for a fun community event while supporting the future of agriculture, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Event Details:

📅 2nd Annual Make a Farmer Festival
📍 Prophetstown, Illinois
🗓️ Friday, August 8
🕛 Festival begins at Noon
🎟️ Free daytime admission (Admission applies for vehicle show participants and the evening beer garden.)
🚜 Car, Truck, Tractor, ATV & Motorcycle Show
🎶 Live Music by Next Thing Smokin'
🏰 Bounce Houses & Kids Activities
🛍️ Silent Auction
🍺 Beer Garden opens at 6:00 p.m.

For raffle ticket information and updates, visit the Make a Farmer Foundation on Facebook.

👉 Don’t forget to like, share, comment and subscribe for more local stories from the Sauk Valley and beyond.

🎧 Listen to the full podcast and explore more at https://theradar.online

🎤 Highlights:

00:00 - Intro

00:25 - The Story Behind the Make a Farmer Foundation

00:45 - Honoring Jaden Hansen's Legacy

01:36 - $23,000 in Scholarships Awarded

02:35 - 2026 Make a Farmer Festival Details

03:36 - Admission & Festival Information

03:58 - Support the Show

04:16 - The Foundation's Mission

04:49 - Supporting the Next Generation of Farmers

05:52 - Scholarship Success Stories

05:59 - Side-by-Side Raffle Fundraiser

06:21 - What's Next for the Foundation?

06:54 - Closing

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