09/13/2026
Greetings friends.
Plans are in full swing for the 2026 version of the Loesch Road Luau.
This year will be much like the other years. But with more food. We’ll be roasting 160 pounds of local 4H and Gunthorp Farms pork.
Plus about 100 pounds of beef brisket. We are roasting on site this year, which I’m excited about.
The bands will play and the bonfire will burn. Join us for a great evening of food, music, dancing, and conviviality. If you don’t have the details already shoot me a message.
But here’s the important thing. Show up between five and 530 with your best dish and be prepared to eat!
Full details below…
The Loesch Road Luau
Tribal Equinox Harvest Party Pig Roast Pitch-in and Camp-out
When…Saturday September 19th, 2026 5-5:30 Arrival (Feasting begins immediately)
Where…2687 N. Loesch Rd. 11 minutes from downtown Bloomington
What…A celebration of the fall Equinox and nature’s bounty, including fabulous food: some by us, some by you, a fine selection of local b**rs from the Bloomington Brewing Co., expertly roasted pork and beef brisket, The Charlie Jesseph Trio, The Wizard Pants Party Band, bonfire, drumming, dancing, playful vibes, camping.
*Newsflash*We’ll also be celebrating our dear friend, and neighbor Dwight Worker’s 80 Birthday!
Why…Because the Gods have been good to us J
Here are the details
The Luau is a Near Zero Waste event. Please BYO plates and tableware if possible. Use our keepsake Pizza X cups for b**r.
We’ll have seating but probably not enough, so camp chairs are welcome.
Please don’t bring pets, they may get injured or may injure others.
Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by a host who will direct you to fill out a short description of your dish. Please take a moment to do this as you arrive and put the tag with your dish. Desserts will go in the dessert tent, everything else on the hay wagons and surrounding tables.
Driving and Parking--Don’t Drink and Drive—If you’re planning to drink more than two b**rs over a several hour period, please plan ahead and make alternative transportation plans. Camping is welcome. If you wish to leave your car at the farm and retrieve it later it will be perfectly safe. Be aware that the Karst Farm Greenway has now open at the front of our farm. Please be aware of pedestrian and bicycle traffic on the Greenway.
Schedule of events
5-5:30 …You show up. Feasting begins. Don’t be late for dinner!
5:30-6:30 pm…Jame’s LaVelle on the keys, feasting continues
6:30-7:30pm pm…Charlie Jesseph Trio, feasting continues
8pm…Equinox Invocation by Linda Manus. Musical wizardry by the Wizard-Pants Party Band
10pm…Bonfire and drumming into the wee hours. Bring a drum
Important things to know…
Our meat this year is local 4-H raised. Thanks to Rice’s Quality Meats in Spencer for helping with the sourcing and being all-around great folks. We’ll have a nice variety of fine fresh ales from the Bloomington Brewing Company and spring water fordrinkin. BYOB/M if you want something else. Reusable water bottles are always in vogue.
Bring a dish to share. This is a harvest celebration, so do make it as local, seasonal, homemade, and full of soul as possible. Be advised that we confiscate Kroge rotisserie chickens and melon trays at the gate. Please mind your waste—We’ll have places for compostables, recycling and a small can for the landfill. Take your keepsake PX cup home with you or leave it to be used again, and as a handy reference when you need to order your next pizza. 😊
Kids are welcome--There’re lots for them to explore and plenty of space to run and enjoy.
We’ll have port-a-johns, but feel free to p*e wherever you’re comfortable. Your urine is rich in nitrogen, and urea and wonderful for the soil.
Camping…
Camping is welcome. There’s plenty of room. Find a spot anywhere that appeals. Please no fires in the woods. Our 68 acre property is bordered by Loesch Road to the East, RR tracks to the North and the other sides are fenced so you need not worry about inadvertently wandering off the property.
Campers will be treated to bacon, eggs and coffee on Sunday morning. Tents recommended, or sling a hammock and brave the dew.
Rain or Shine --We hope for shine, but if rain, wrap up and come out anyway. The livestock have already given their lives, somebody needs to drink all this b**r, and the bonfire will definitely burn. Plus, it just feels good to play in the rain once in a while.
Don’ts…
No Dogs-Please leave any pets at home, they won’t be welcome at the Luau.
Don’t let the children drink b**r- it’s against the law, and most children don’t like b**r.
Don’t drink and drive—Did I say that already? Camp instead. Intoxicated guests will be tackled and their keys confiscated.
Please Respect …
House-The farmhouse on the property is a private residence and NOT part of the LUAU. Please don’t venture there. Personal relief options abound at the farm, to p*e find a tree, or locate the port-o-johns near the Quonset hut.
Hornets nests- No hornet’s nests located this year, please tell me if you find one.
Safety—There are many ways to get hurt on a farm. Be cautious and watch your footing.
Directions—Following most any road west from Bloomington turn on to Curry Pike towards the intersection of Woodyard Rd. (Woodyard is about one half mile south of Rt. 46) and about 1 mile north of west 3rdSt.) Turn west onto Woodyard road and follow around two roundabouts less than one half mile to the first left which is Loesch Road. Follow Loesch down the hill and past the RR tracks and the Karst Farm Greenway trailhead to the first driveway on your right. 2687 N. Loesch Rd.
The LUAU is not a public event per se, but feel free to invite friends that should be there. No RSVP necessary.
Blessings of the season to you—We look forward to seeing you at the Luau!
Jeff Mease
