Hayrides were a popular pastime at the event, giving visitors an opportunity to tour the farm fields and trails.
Kids loved the petting zoo, and so did the goats! The calf in the corner preferred sleeping to socializing.
Put children and straw together and you've got instant fun.
Alaska Agriculture Appreciation Day drew huge crowds to the Matanuska Experiment Farm Aug. 11. The annual event happened to occur on the first sunny day in weeks and Valley people were ready to get out and explore.
One of the highlights of the day was the hayride. People lined up to participate in one of three tours via tractor and hay wagon. Children's games and activities also proved very popular with attendees. The Division of Agriculture operated a booth with a storytime corner and a farmers' market for children. Nearby were tug-of-war games, a cake walk, potato sack races and the ever-refreshing vegetable bobbing contest.
On display were everything from antique tractors to a live caribou. Blacksmiths demonstrated their skills, along with a chainsaw sculptor, a goat milker and a butter churner. Farmers sold their fresh produce, crafters displayed their wares and researchers at the farm explained their work on subjects ranging from potatoes to biofuels.
"It was a glorious day and a great event, thanks to all the hard work contributed by so many," said Theresa Isaac, event coordinator. She especially thanked all the volunteers, 58 vendors and the sponsors: Alaska Division of Agriculture, Alaska State Fair, Aurora Nursery, Bushes Bunches Greenhouse, UAF Cooperative Extension Service, Craig Taylor Equipment Co., Danamac Acres Greenhouse, Ewe Topia Farms, Fireside Bookstore, Fred Meyer Palmer Marketplace, FFA, Gray Owl Farms, House of Bread, In and Out Grocery and Deli, Jolt Construction and Traffic Maintenance Inc., Matanuska Creamery, Museum of Transportation and Industry, Pioneer Equipment Inc. and WalMart Supercenter.
Further reading:
Agriculture highlighted at annual appreciation day, Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman, Aug. 12. 2011, by Greg Johnson
No comments:
Post a Comment