Every summer for the past 24 years, the Slowey family of Westfield, Wisconsin, has hosted a “Neighborhood Party” on their farm as a way to thank the community and build strong relationships with their neighbors. What started in 2001 with just 75 guests has grown into a major annual event, drawing nearly 400 attendees from the surrounding area, including neighbors, employees and their families, vendors, and friends.
The Sloweys, who operate a large dairy farm with 1,850 cows and 3,500 acres of land, make a point to invite those who live near the various parcels of land they work—especially those near areas where manure is spread. Their goal is to keep communication open and build goodwill with the community.
The event is held every third Friday in June and includes food trucks serving farm-raised burgers, cheese curds, fries, and ice cream. Guests are treated to tours of the farm, including a look at a new rotary milking parlor currently under construction. The party is invite-only and requires an RSVP. Traditionally, invitations are hand-delivered, but this year they were mailed due to a busier-than-usual schedule, including hosting a separate “Breakfast on the Farm” event earlier in the month.
Originally the family cooked all the food themselves, but four years ago they switched to food trucks to allow more time for mingling. The local high school cross-country team helps with check-in, table cleanup, and garbage in exchange for a donation to their team.
The party not only offers food and fun but plays an important role in easing concerns about farm operations. Neighbors are encouraged to share if they have concerns about manure spreading or other farm activities, and the event gives them the chance to ask questions and get accurate information about the farm’s practices. Over the years, it has helped prevent complaints and rumors while fostering neighborly connections.
The Sloweys see the party as a way to maintain transparency, improve understanding, and encourage a sense of community in an era when people often don’t know their neighbors. They view it not just as a thank-you, but as a meaningful opportunity for connection. Many attendees return year after year and look forward to the event as a way to reconnect with others in the area.
In short, the Slowey family’s annual neighborhood party has become a valued tradition that strengthens community ties, promotes open communication, and highlights the positive role local agriculture plays in rural life.
