Every four years the N.C. State Fair celebrates Century Farm and Bicentennial Farm Families at a reunion. This year saw the largest number of attendees gather in the program’s history. If you are coming to the State Fair, you can also help Western NC on Smithfield Foods Hunger Relief Day.
- Last week we talked about the N.C. State Fair Farm Families of the Day and the fair’s continued focus on agriculture.
- On Monday, we welcomed nearly 2,300 people to the Century Farm Family Reunion at the Hunt Horse Complex.
- This is one of my favorite events, even though we only hold it every four years. It was especially memorable this year because of the record attendance.
- I think people needed the fair this year and the sense of community it offers; especially given the ongoing disaster recovery and the difficult year so many in our farm community have faced.
- The Century Farm Reunion brings people together from all over the state, including some who attended from Western NC.
- Chip Carter, who is the TV host for the ‘Where the Food Comes From’ series that airs on RFD-TV, was our keynote speaker.
- He is no stranger to North Carolina, having done many segments on the diversity of commodities we produce here from sweet potatoes and Christmas trees to even covering the Got to Be NC Festival this year.
- To own a farm for 100 years or more and for some even 200 years or more is quite the accomplishment and it was a joy to celebrate these families whose farms have underpinned the foundation of our state’s growth from its earliest beginnings.
- It was a great day to be able to thank them for all they and their families have contributed to our state.
- I wanted to also mention the upcoming Smithfield Foods Hunger Relief Day on Thursday, Oct. 24, at the State Fair.
- Fairgoers can gain free admission to the fair in exchange for 6 cans of food that will be donated to the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina.
- This year, because of the great need out west, a portion of the foods collected will be sent to the MANNA Food Bank in Western NC.
- So many people have asked how they can help, and this is a very easy way. While we only require you to donate 6 cans, I would challenge you to bring in a few more to help those who need it. Volunteers will exchange the canned goods for a ticket at the entrance gates on Thursday, Oct. 24.
I hope we can set a new collection record for Smithfield Foods Hunger Relief Day