52 years and counting:

Farm-City event cultivates local agri-biz roots
By Sherrie Norris
Staff Writer

Approximately 250 people were on hand Thursday evening to honor 52 years of Farm-City in Watauga County and to recognize those who have gone the extra mile in volunteer efforts during the past year.

With a focus on preservation and conservation, the 2007 Farm-City Banquet was an environmentally-conscious event with the use of china, silverware and glasses for food service and recycling bins for programs and napkins.

Food was purchased at market value from local farmers and prepared at Creative Food Ventures in Ashe County, according to Dan Meyer, master of ceremonies and president of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce.

He was assisted in awards presentations by Bunk Spann, event chairman, and co-chair Pat Beaver. The Rev. Judy Eurey led the invocation.

Jim Deal, chairman of the Watauga County Board of Commissioners, welcomed the crowd, indicating that he was proud to be a “product” of the farm-city concept.

“My father was a Cove Creek farmer and my mother worked for the town of Boone,” he said.

Boone Mayor Loretta Clawson presented the Farm-City proclamation, following a display of flags by the Appalachian Trailblazers 4-H Club. Numerous other elected officials and guests were recognized, including Richard Tumbleston, who for several years has provided a treasured work of art as the “granddaddy” of all door prizes.

This year’s contribution was a coveted prize, representing the premiere showing of his latest work, “The Jones House.”

A highlight of the evening was the introduction and signing of the Shipley Agricultural Endowment in honor of Robert and Agnes Shipley, presented by Reagan Ammons, N.C. Cooperative Foundation’s western director. He was accompanied by endowment co-chairs Richard Howe of ASU and Jimmy Gentry, executive director of the N.C. Grange, both long-time friends of the Shipleys.

The Shipleys, also receiving the Spirit of Farm-City award, were described by Sue Counts, as “pretty special members of our community who have continued to make major contributions year after year—well over 60 years for each of them—over 120 years combined. They have, indeed, served their community well. They have been active in civic, church and community work, are wonderful friends, neighbors, mother, father, grandparents and great-grandparents.”

Counts added, “And, I believe that they have just attended their 52nd Farm City Banquet.” Described simply as “the spirit of Farm-City,” the Shipleys were declared “most deserving of this award.”

In their honor, a $100 check was given to the Shipley Agricultural Endowment, which will fund programs for Watauga youth in agriculture.

The Brown family of eastern Watauga County received the Farm Family of the Year award for their efforts at promoting local farming with their cattle operation.

A special award was given to Suzanne Winebarger from the Watauga County Tree Growers Association for her tireless efforts in supporting the group. Speaking for the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce, Meyer recognized the tree growers for the economic impact that their industry has upon the area in regards to lodging, shopping, dining, etc.

Brian Crutchfield, representing Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation, presented each family with a free compact fluorescent lamp, known as CFLs, a relatively new energy-conserving light bulb that can be used in most conventional light fixtures to replace incandescent bulbs.

A silent auction, with funds going to the Shipley Endowment, included the winning photographs from this year’s inaugural “Windows on Watauga” photo contest. A large number of attendees left with nice door prizes as always, complements of local individuals and businesses who never fail to support Farm-City.