Montevallo High School and the school’s Future Farmers of America Chapter hosted the 11^th Annual Farm Day on Friday and Saturday March 20-21. Despite some wet weather, the event was a success thanks to the planning and coordination of FFA student-leaders, the Montevallo FFA Alumni Chapter, and Blake Ray, Agri-Science Teacher and FFA Adviser. The event continues to grow in popularity, attracting participants, guests, and visitors from the Montevallo community, all over Shelby County, and other surrounding areas. The event included a wide variety of games, activities, arts, crafts, music, and competitions that attracted peoples of all ages and provided opportunities for all ages to engage in fun and learning.

On Friday, representatives from Alabama Power and Chelsea Fire Department promoted outdoor safety by presenting interactive demonstrations that really created awareness among the students about rural fire and electrical hazards. Also on Friday, the event included music, arts, crafts, games, and animal exhibits for students at MHS and Montevallo Elementary School to engage. As always, the younger students at MES were excited to engage in the fun, especially with the animals’ exhibits that included goats, rabbits, horses, and ponies.

On Saturday, the event expanded to the engagement of the entire community and surrounding areas. The Montevallo FFA Alumni held a Boston butt sale and a silent auction that raised money for scholarships awarded to senior students actively involved with FFA and pursuing post-secondary education. There were additional music and entertainment shows, arts and crafts exhibits, games, activates, and competitions for all ages. Games and competitions included archery, car shows, a talent show, animal shows, and other activities aligned with the event’s theme.

Wesley Hester, MHS principal, shared his thoughts about Farm Day, “Farm Day is a wonderful event filled with fun, tradition, and partnership between our schools, parents, and community patrons. It’s also an excellent opportunity for local businesses and farmers to engage in partnership with us and other organizations that have the best interest of our children and a love for the farming industry at heart. It’s a great combination! Lastly, Farm Day is yet another opportunity for our students to take ownership of their school and community, and to develop learning and leadership skills.”