The 2012 Columbus Farm Festival will be held tomorrow, Saturday, Oct. 6, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in downtown Columbus. This event celebrates the past, present and future contributions that agriculture has made to the development of Polk County.
The popular Columbus Tailgate Market will have extended hours from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Courthouse Street in its usual location. The House of Flags will be open Saturday.
“If you have never visited Polk County’s newest and most intriguing museum, it is a ‘must see,’” festival organizers said.
The Polk County Historical Museum on Walker Street will also be open for visitors on Saturday. It gives everyone a look back at how Polk County has grown and developed.
This year’s farm festival will feature several new activities. The Polk County High FFA program will offer tractor-pulled hay rides across Columbus. These will depart every half hour from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Polk County High School agriculture program is also bringing some farm animals and they will have corn hole games on the street for those folks interested in playing.
Clerk of the Superior Court Pam Hyder will have the courthouse open from 10 a.m. to noon, and John Vining will give guided tours every 20 minutes.
“One of the exciting developments at this year’s farm festival,” John Vining said, “is the unveiling of Polk County High School’s new Biodiesel Wagon.”
High school teacher Tawana Weicker will be on hand to explain how this new technology will be used to produce biodiesel at the high school.
“We are very excited about the different aspects of our local agricultural community and how folks are coming together to share their knowledge of local farming,” said Lynn Sprague, Polk County Ag Economic Director.
In addition to farm equipment, beekeepers and farm animals, vendors and crafters on the street will show off their food and crafts.
– article submitted by John Vining