Harvest Days will celebrate its 31st anniversary Oct. 20-21 at the 4-H Rural Life Center in Halifax.
According to the Halifax NC website, Harvest Days was first celebrated on Oct. 10, 1992. This event invites millions of Interstate 95 travelers to visit the county to learn more about the county’s past and present agricultural heritage.
Halifax County Cooperative Extension Director Beth Burchell told the Herald each fall, Halifax County celebrates its agriculture and cultural heritage during the annual Harvest Days Festival.
“This year’s event, sponsored by VisitHalifax. com, celebrates our 31st year,” Burchell said.
She said something different this year as compared to previous years, is entertainment throughout the day as well as DJ “Tonio 252” between acts.
“On stage at noon will be the Feature Attraction Band, a local favorite, and we have even more food vendors, crafters and artisans than in past years,” she said. “We will also be celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Historic Halifax Home located on the 4-H Rural Life Center grounds, and are excited to show off the recent renovations the county has supported.
“Coming to Harvest Days gives people a chance to learn more about the heritage of our county, but to also support our local food and craft vendors,” she said.
Burchell said on the first day, educational activities are focused on the fourth- and fifth-grade youth, but on the second day, there will be something for all ages. She said one of the popular things people enjoy at Harvest Days is the poultry show.
“I always look forward to this component of Harvest Days as it gives youth the opportunity to be recognized for their hard work and dedication required by our 4-H poultry project,” she said. “Through hands-on, active learning, 4-H projects engage youth in learning valuable life skills that include responsibility, confidence, sportsmanship, and leadership that will better enable them to be community engaged and civically-minded adults.”
Burchell said in May, youth received three 2-day-old chicks, and they have raised and cared for them each day leading up to the show, which requires daily attention and dedication.
“This year’s 4-H Poultry Show will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday (Oct. 21) near the livestock exhibits area, and I encourage everyone to stop by and celebrate our 4-H’ers.”
