1000 x 90

16th Annual Cove Creek Heritage Day Saturday, Sept. 21; CCP&D, Watauga Extension Present Country Fair

Sept. 16, 2013. Cove Creek Preservation & Development and Watauga County Cooperative Extension present the 16th annual Cove Creek Farm Heritage Day Saturday, Sept. 21, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the grounds of the Historic Cove Creek School in Sugar Grove.

Farm Heritage Day is an affordable way for families and their children to learn more about agriculture and farming operations within their community while experiencing the country charm of the Cove Creek community, food and music.

One-year-old Kaya Wood at Farm Heritage Days in 2011. The country-style activities and showcases are fun for the entire family. Photo by Jesse Wood
One-year-old Kaya Wood at Farm Heritage Days in 2011. The country-style activities and showcases are fun for the entire family. Photo by Jesse Wood

The event features agricultural and historical demonstrations with a steam grist mill grinding corn, farm animals that include alpacas from Apple Hill Farm, goats and a pig from GOat GREEN farm, as well as a show calf, jersey milk cow, horses, chickens and rabbits. As has been the tradition for the past three years, Watauga County Cooperative Extension is involved with the event providing animal displays, lessons on small fruit production, a plant clinic, a seed swap and more.

The old-time country fair atmosphere will also feature face painting and activity stations for kids, a horseshoe competition, wagon rides, and a color guard presentation. This year’s Grand Marshal is Amy Shelton, a long-time Cove Creek community member and all-around good person, who has contributed many years of service to the ASU Police Department and Cove Creek Preservation and Development.

Scheduled performers include Nolan Church, with additional acts to be announced. Locally grown-produce and food products will be available for purchase, as well as crafts and folk toys. Barbecue and hot dogs will also be sold.

“It’s been a lot of fun to do this event year after year,” said Andy Andrews, an organizer for the event. “I am particularly pleased with the interest the Agricultural Extension has taken in the event in the last few years. They have really helped turn this into something special for this community and the agricultural community as a whole.”

“Farm Heritage Day is just as special and just as impactful for the community as any of the other work we do,” said Dr. Jim Hamilton, Watauga County Extension Director. “We enjoy keeping the ‘Farm’ in Farm Heritage Day.”

In addition to the Cooperative Extension, many groups will be in attendance, including Watauga County 4-H, Blue Ridge Fiber Guild, Blue Ridge Wildlife Center, High Country Grown, Watauga River Partners, Boy Scouts, Watauga County Master Gardeners, Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture, High Country Local First, Appalachian State University Sustainable Development Farm and the Watauga County Christmas Tree Association.

Admission is $3 for adults, $1 for seniors and children ages 6 to 12, and free for children 5 and under. Parking is free. The event will take place rain or shine. The Historic Cove Creek School is located at 207 Dale Adams Road in Sugar Grove, just eight miles west of Boone.

Vendors are welcome to sell specialty seeds, garlic, produce, pumpkins, molasses, or any other farm good or handmade craft at no charge. Vendors, demonstrators, and volunteers will be accepted through Sept. 20. 

The event will take place rain or shine. The Historic Cove Creek School is located at 207 Dale Adams Road in Sugar Grove, just eight miles west of Boone. For more information on Cove Creek Farm Heritage Day, call (828) 297-2200 or visit www.covecreek.net.