Maebelle serves as mascot to Farm-City Week

By Kevin Spradlin
PeeDeePost.com

ROCKINGHAM — The official kickoff to the annual Farm-City Week is Saturday, with the inaugural Farmers Day 5K run and walk and the 19th annual Farmers Day Parade and Fall Fest in Ellerbe.

Kevin Spradlin | PeeDeePost.com Jordyn Chance holds Maebelle the miniature pot-bellied pig while Cayden Shephard, 3, center, and Colby, 15 months, take their turn saying hello.

Kevin Spradlin | PeeDeePost.com
Jordyn Chance holds Maebelle the miniature pot-bellied pig while Cayden Shephard, 3, center, and Colby, 15 months, take their turn saying hello.

Visitors to Discovery Place KIDS, the nonprofit children’s museum in downtown Rockingham, has been celebrating animals throughout the month of November. On Wednesday, it was Maebelle’s turn.

Maebelle the miniature pot-bellied pig, owned by DPK’s own Jordyn Chance, was the star attraction on the Sandhills Stage. Chance explained to her young crowd at the 11:15 a.m. show that Maebelle — donning a bright pink collar and a red and white Christmas sweater — enjoyed getting her fingernails painted and generally being spoiled rotten.

Maebelle likes to eat fruit and salad, Chance said. So did a young visitor to DPK.

“You all would be best friends, then,” Chance said.

Cayden Shepard, 3, of Seven Lakes, happened to be a part of his family’s first visit to Discovery Place KIDS. Cayden went right up to Maebelle, sat down and began petting the 1-year-old pig — Chance said she recently celebrated her birthday with cake — much like a puppy. Fifteen-month-old little brother Colby, meanwhile, was a little more hesitant but he eventually pet the pig.

A second presentation is scheduled for 2:15 p.m. today.

Saturday in Ellerbe

This weekend, events in Ellerbe will officially kick off Farm-City Week, which runs from Nov. 22 through Nov. 24.

Photo by Kevin Spradlin Participants young and old look forward to the annual Farmers' Day Parade in Ellerbe. It's a can't-miss event.

Photo by Kevin Spradlin
Participants young and old look forward to the annual Farmers’ Day Parade in Ellerbe. It’s a can’t-miss event.

The inaugural Farmers’ Day 5K run and walk starts at 8 a.m. beside Town Hall. Race-day registration begins at Town Hall at 7 a.m.

After the race, town center fills with tents and tables full of food, crafts, and informational booths.

At 11 a.m., spectators will like Main Street to watch the 19th annual Farmers’ Day Parade.  This was a popular event in Ellerbe history.

New in 2014

This year Farm City Week has some major changes to the format which may be confusing to Richmond County residents. Local Farm-City Week organizers are hoping the changes will be welcomed ones.

The first big change is we are incorporating Camp Millstone into this year’s celebration. So many people know that the 4-H camp is there, but many people have never been to the camp or have not made a return visit since the days of their 4-H youth.  Millstone is now the home of the NC 4-H museum. The museum is undergoing renovations but is still open to the public.

Photo by Kevin Spradlin This parade participant gets a bird's-eye view of the spectators lines along both sides of Main Street in Ellerbe.

Photo by Kevin Spradlin
This parade participant gets a bird’s-eye view of the spectators lines along both sides of Main Street in Ellerbe.

Millstone officials have graciously offered to open for tours from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.  There is not a 4-H museum in every state, and Camp Millstone is honored to be the home of the North Carolina 4-H museum.  If you have ever drove pass Mallard Road and wondered what the sandy, dirt path into the woods leads to … well, this is your chance.

Hootenanny

Farming roots need to be celebrated in an ‘old fashion barn dance’ style.  Traditionally when the crops come in the tractors and equipment are cleaned up. That’s why we need a parade!  Then the logical thing to do is celebrate the fall harvest at an old fashion barn dance Hootenanny.

The first Richmond County Farm City Week Hootenanny to be held at Camp Millstone starting at 7 p.m. Saturday. Organizers are working hard to bring a rustic farm décor to the newly renovated Recreation Hall for a boot kicking, line dancing celebration. Tickets are available at the Richmond County Agricultural Center, online at http://hoot2014.eventbrite.com, and at the event.  Call 910-997-8255 for information.

Photo by Kevin Spradlin

Photo by Kevin Spradlin

 

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