Added flavor to Farm City Week events
Published on Thursday, October 12, 2023 at 11:18am
Pike County Farm City’s celebration will take on a new twist this year as it culminates in a weeklong celebration Nov. 17-23.
“Throughout the year, there are many activities that help advance the Pike County Farm City program,” said Pike County Farm City Chairman Tracy Shaver. “This year, our county’s Agriculture and Urban Commission decided to spice things up to increase attendance at what used to be a banquet. It also helps connect farmers and city dwellers in this area.”
Farm City Week is held each year the week before Thanksgiving and helps to better understand the relationship between rural farmers and urban families. The 2023 Farm City theme is “Agritourism: Connecting Alabama’s Farms and Communities.”
A fun food festival will be held at Pike County Cattleman’s Park on November 16th from 6pm. The festival will feature samples from numerous restaurants and eateries around Pike County. Winning entries from the county’s agricultural city poster and essay contests will also be on display.
The event will also showcase the stories of the county’s outstanding farmers and young farming enthusiasts.
“We wanted food, family and farming to be the focus of this year’s event, and to celebrate them, we wanted to celebrate them with great food,” said Chrissy Pinkard, who co-directs the food festival with Angi Horn. What better way to bring people together than while eating something?” . “We have already secured commitments from some of the county’s top chefs to share their signature samples.”
Pinkard said there are still spots available for local restaurants and chefs who want to participate in the food festival.
The Farm City Committee will host Farm Day at Cattleman Park on November 14th for all third grade students in the county. The committee will conclude this year’s event with a tour of agricultural projects in Pike County schools during the 2023 Farm City Tour. Bart Snyder of Goshen is coordinating tour events.
Another popular event hosted by the Pike County Farm City Commission is the annual job swap, where local farmers and businessmen or politicians can swap roles for a day. This year’s exchange will feature Brundidge Mayor Isabel Boyd and Brundidge farmer Chase Flowers. Job swaps get attention on social media and food festivals.
Reserved tickets for the Farm City Food Festival are $40 per pair.
“Farm City would not be possible without the incredible support we received from local businesses, farmers, and the entire community,” said Pike County Extension Coordinator Abby Peters. For information about sponsorship opportunities, food festival tickets and tours, call Peters at 334-566-0985.