The fifth annual Columbus Farm Festival brings farmers to the community this Saturday, Oct. 5.

“Because our agriculture is so varied I think our overall hope was that people will recognize that agriculture plays a big part in the county’s development early on and that it continues to play a big part,” said Polk County Extension Director John Vining.

This celebration of Polk County agriculture will be held in downtown Columbus on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. rain or shine.

There will be several activities during the day. The ever popular Columbus Tailgate Market will start the day off opening for sales at 8 a.m. Farm animals of various types will be on display for folks to see.

Games especially for children will be offered inside Stearns Park and corn hole, FFA’s most popular game will be played on the courthouse lawn. The Civil War reenactors are back to share historical knowledge with others. Several demonstrations will be ongoing, a farrier, a sawmill in operation, an apple cider press and a hayride will be part of the Saturday event.

Schedule  

8 a.m. – Columbus Tailgate Market opens

9 a.m. – Farm Festival begins

10 a.m.  – Kid games start

10 a.m. to noon – Hay rides each 30 minutes

10 a.m. to 1 p.m.  –  WJFJ On-Line Radio begins broadcast

10 a.m. – 4 p.m. House of Flags open

11 a.m. – Fire department barrel roll competition

All day until 2 p.m. – Farm animals, vendors and displays available

In addition to the animals there will be a worm composting display and a beekeeping display, not to mention numerous educational displays from other community non-profit organizations.

“Any time you can celebrate the contributions that farm families have made to the community, it is a great day,” said Dawn Jordan, interim agricultural economic director.

The festival is co-sponsored by the Town of Columbus, Polk County Ag Economic Development Office and Polk County Cooperative Extension Service.

– article submitted by John Vining