Mint Festival 2015 Grand Marshal - Ben Sakaguchi

Ben Sakaguchi was born in Aldine (Starke County, Indiana) in 1936 to the late Morizo and Namie Sakaguchi.  His father began farming peppermint, spearmint, and Asian vegetables in the North Judson area in 1933 and established Green Acres farm.  He was an early pioneer of processing mint in portable tubs.

Ben married Sandra Spoor in 1968 and, upon his father's retirement in 1969, purchased the entire 200 acre family farm.  He continued farming mint and vegetables for several more years, but eventually phased out mint production and grew only Asian produce for the Chicago markets.  Ben and Sandra are blessed with two children.  Their oldest, Beth (Brian Eccles), returned to North Judson in 1996 and operates a small organic vegetable farm.  Son Chad, an electrical engineer, and his family reside in Bothell, WA.

Ben retired from farming ten years ago and enjoys seeing his grand children and playing a lot of golf.  Ben said, " I am honored to be part of the Mint Festival this year and am thankful for the many friends that I have in the North Judson community."