Annual 'Day on the Farm' is Aug. 16 years ago
Country will again meet city on Saturday, Aug. 16, for the "Day on the Farm."
The eighth-annual Day on the Farm will take place at the property of Carol Duerksen and Maynard Knepp, located northeast of Goessel at 1582 Falcon Road. All activities are free, but donations will go toward Mennonite Agri-Urban, Inc., which sponsors the event.
Activities running continuously from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m. include pig-catching, goat-tending, horseback-riding, tractor wagon rides, and a branding iron demonstration. Other scheduled events include goat milking, pig catching by local pastors, and a children's story at 12:45 p.m. Lunch will be served at 11:30.
The purpose of Day on the Farm is to build connections between rural and urban families, especially giving children a chance to experience aspects of farm life that their grandparents may have experienced.
The Agri-Urban program began in 1972, when farmers and cattle feeders were asked to donate labor, facilities, and feed or pasture to fatten cattle. At the same time, urban families were asked to give money to buy the animals and feed. Profits from the sale of the cattle go to the Western District Conference, Mennonite Church USA, and Bethel College.
Duerksen and Knepp, authors, provide their farm for "city folk" to visit.
"It's fun to share our animals with so many people," Duerksen said.
