COMMUNITY

Oregon Ag Fest displays agricultural diversity

For 35 years, Oregon Ag Fest has been taking over the state fairgrounds to help kids learn where their food, fiber, and flora come from. To experience life on the farm in an interactive way, head to the Oregon State Fairgrounds in Salem on Saturday, April 23, from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, April 24, from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Admission is $9 for 13 and over. Children 12 and under are admitted for free and there is free parking.

All activities center around locally grown products, which introduces families to the diverse world of Oregon agriculture.

Attendees can expect to see numerous farm animals, watch a llama show, race a mini pedal tractor, take a horse-drawn wagon ride, listen to live music, and much more.

“Our goal is to help kids gain a better understanding of the importance of agriculture to Oregon’s rural landscape, and to emphasize that most food starts on a farm somewhere and in Oregon we’re lucky enough to grow over 200 varieties of crops,” said Leah Rue, Ag Fest chair.

On Saturday, April 23 from 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m., there will be an old-fashioned ranch-style breakfast available. Cost is $8 for adults; children under three years eat free. Proceeds from the breakfast provide scholarships for 4-H camp and leader training.

For more information go to www.oragfest.com.