After years of taking their kids to Oregon Ag Fest, many attending the annual event held at the State Fairgrounds in Salem are now taking their grandchildren. Topping the 20,000 two-day attendance mark last year, Oregon Ag Fest 2016 is ready once again to educate and entertain families this weekend with a special emphasis on youngsters.
Ag Fest runs Saturday, April 23 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday, April 24 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Children 12 and under are admitted for free. Admission for those 13 and older is $9. Parking at the event is free.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ODA
Ag Fest is an alliance of agricultural organizations and educational groups dedicated to the goal of encouraging public awareness of agriculture. Exhibits, interactive displays, and old fashioned fun and games are part of the recipe. As Oregon’s urban population grows, it’s becoming increasingly obvious that many people aren’t aware about the importance of agriculture. It’s also clear that kids have few opportunities to become familiar with what it is like to live on a farm.
“Somebody a few years ago told me that more kids have exposure to giraffes and elephants at the zoo than they do farm animals,” says Kerr. “I was stunned to hear that at first, but it’s true. Kids don’t often get that experience of being around farm animals and all that goes with it.”
Ag Fest accomplishes this tall task by literally bringing the farm to the city– giving families an opportunity to take a quick trip to the country just by heading to the State Fairgrounds. Activities focus on locally grown products that give families a quick introduction to Oregon agriculture’s diversity.
To kick off Ag Fest 2016, on Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., there will be an old-fashioned ranch-style breakfast. The menu includes hotcakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, Oregon grown fruit toppings, juice, coffee, and milk. It’s all prepared by Linn County 4-H groups. Children under three eat for free.
For those who may want to avoid any long lines at the ticket window, Wilco Farm Stores sell tickets to Ag Fest in advance.
Oregon Ag Fest remains one of the best ways of connecting urban with rural.
“Some 98 percent of the U.S. population now lives in an urban world. More and more, families and children live their lives totally separated from the source of their food and fiber. Oregon Ag Fest is a creative, family friendly, fun way to help bridge the gap and share the wonder and importance of Oregon’s bountiful and diverse harvest,” says Kerr. “We are really proud that a large part of Ag Fest’s family appeal is that it is very inexpensive to attend and almost everything inside the event is completely free!”
Again, rain or shine, Oregon Ag Fest is ready to open its doors this weekend.
