05/22/2026
Hes Baaaaaackkk, and ready to rock. Welcome Lon!
***For Immediate Press Release***
The Country Stop will begin its 9th Season this Friday, May 22nd, 2026 at the Lake Country Meats location in Alexandria, Minnesota.
Independent Contractor, Lon Linke received TOP SALES HONORS last 2025 harvest season as the #1 FRESH PRODUCE PROVIDER in the state of Minnesota, beating out other popular locations such as Lake Mille Lac, Deerwood, Garrison, Green Lake/Spicer, Fergus Falls, Lake Pipen, Brainerd, Detroit Lakes and Willmar.
When asked for the contributing factors for this UPSET WIN,
Linke was quick to THANK the Alexandria community and the Lake Country Meats location FIRST!
“Hands down, the Alexandria community made this happened!” stated Linke.
“When a town comes out-
…rain or shine, day after day, week after week, year after year to support our daily efforts to provide THEE freshest, non-GMO, conventionally grown, fruits and vegetables to an area,
…it’s a very humbling experience and I am deeply grateful to Alexandria and all her amazing citizens!”
Linke, also, credits Butch Cole and the talented staff at Lake Country Meats for their unwavering help, guidance and wisdom for successfully combining “delicious meats and fantastic fruits and vegetables” in one simple, convenient location.
“As the community knows, Butch Cole is a pioneer in working ‘harder than most’ to provide the very best to his customer/client base, year round community service, and just an all around FUN TIME on “Meat Street”’ and I’m thankful to be just a small part of that success during the summer season!” Linke contined.
The Country Stop has been known for decades as a TOP PRODUCER of American grown fresh produce delivered to Minnesota towns awaiting the Minnesota Harvest that normally begins late July, early August.
A traditional “summer season” for THE COUNTRY STOP location runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day (this year, 109 days).
Proving everything from Peach Salsa to 12 pound Nebraska Aphrodite Cantaloupe (late season),
Lon’s Stand is best known for BLACK DIAMOND WATERMELONS-
“Out Of The Dirt, Off The Vine, Hand Picked Tomatoes-
Bi-Colored Minnesota Seed Sweet Corn-
Big, Beautiful BING Cherries, as well as, the summer standards:
cucumbers, onions, new potatoes (baby reds), asparagus, peppers, squash and assorted “specialty products”.
“The single best thing we offer on Butch’s Corner of Meat Street
[at the PRODUCE STAND] is
FREE Air, FREE Sunshine and always a FREE smile!” concluded Linke.
“We’re looking forward to yet another record breaking season!”
The Country Stop Stand in Alexandria, Minnesota opens Friday, May 22nd, 2026.