Tuscora Park is the site for bringing the country to the city at Farm Day 2011
By Jennifer Kneuss
July 30, 2011
280
Summary: Too often, farmers and the many things they produce for our everyday lives are taken for granted. Families are invited to Farm Day 2011, a unique opportunity to see farm life up close and personal without leaving the city.
E-I-E-I-O, Old Mac Donald has a farm, and he will be bringing it to Tuscora Park in New Philadelphia for Farm Day on Friday, August 5.
In past years, the special event, hosted by the Tuscarawas County Soil and Water Conservation District Farm Bureau, OSU Extension, and others, has been held on the acreage of a local farm. This year, things will be quite different. In order to allow more families and children to experience the joys of farm life, the groups decided to bring all of the animals and exhibits right into the heart of the city.
Guests are encouraged to attend from 5 pm to 9 pm, and meet the farmers behind the sources of their food and other products. Although the entire event is free, all proceeds from the food vendors and donations for activities will be given to the area food banks.
This is a great way to have fun while also helping to give food to those less fortunate in our community, said Julie Gordon, a SWCD staff member.
Activities include a Kiddie Tractor Pull, with the winner taking home their very own pedal tractor, courtesy of Kuester Implement.
We will have farm animals in a petting zoo for the children to enjoy, and we will also have the very popular All-A-Flutter Butterfly Exhibit on hand, said Tracey Haney, director of the SWCD.The exhibit has been at the Norma Johnson Center for several weeks, but this will allow those who did not get to visit this wonderful butterfly house another chance to do so.
There will also be face painting for the younger set, and older youth and adults will enjoy the traveling Archery Activity trailer, where they can try out their marksmanship under the watchful eye of a trained Ohio Division of Wildlife officer. An exhibit on Creatures of the Friendly Skies, as well as farming videos will also be featured. The Tuscarawas County Beekeepers will be on hand to show the fascinating way a beehive works, and Kent State University Tuscarawas will provide a display about their veterinarian program. Sugarcreek Vet Clinic, the Rural Youth Loan program, Farm Credit Services, the Norma Johnson Center, Tuscarawas SWCD, OSU Extension, and the Farm Bureau will also have informative displays in the park.
Plenty of modern and antique farm equipment will be on hand, along with demonstrations and displays on wool spinning, edible landscaping, canning garden produce, and using rain barrels for backyard conservation. The event also offers other special surprises for all ages.
While enjoying learning about modern farming and how it touches the lives of everyone, visitors can also enjoy lemonade shake-ups, a chicken BBQ, sandwiches, and tasty honey straws.
Gordon explained the importance of the Farm Day event.
There is a lot of hard work that goes into this event, but it is our way of giving back to our local community. Its a night where families can come out together and enjoy themselves while learning about agriculture, stated Gordon. We are also doing this to thank and support our local farmers, and to recognize the very important role that they play in the lives of everyone. Whether it is in their production of food, fiber, fuel, or other things, farmers are an integral part of everything we do, each and every day.
