By Caleb Colquitt
Opelika Observer
The Lee County Farmers Federation hosted its second annual Lee County Agriculture Fair on June 21.
Lee County’s chapter won an award for last year’s fair from the National Farm Bureau, and this year the event had an even bigger turnout of exhibitors. Approximately 100 exhibitors came out in droves to the Lee County Fairgrounds to showcase their businesses, from restaurants selling barceque and shaved ice to tractor dealerships showing off their latest farm equipment.
“It’s going to be getting the public more involved with agriculture, or at least giving them an understanding of what is in their community,” said Katie Brown, Chairman of Lee County Young Farmer’s Committee. “You’ll be able to see that a lot of the vendors are local farmers. It lets them educate the public on what they do and why it’s important to this area.”
Brown expained that many of the booths were local farmers selling produce, particularly summer crops like corn and tomatoes.
Local livestock producers also came to give the attendees a chance to interact with their animals. Randal Farms hosted a sheep sheering demonstration, while other producers held a petting zoo, which included cattle, goats, chickens, ponies, llamas and a camel.
“I like the camel because it spits a lot,” said Ison McAnally, a second grader at Beauregard Elementary, when asked about his favorite attraction.
“It’s definitely a family event, and that’s something that’s very important to the Farmer’s Federation,” said Brown. “Kids are able to touch those animals … that gives them a real connection to agriculture.”