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Annual
event promotes food,
crafts, and agricultural heritage
By
Helen E. McKinney
Contributing Writer
NEW CASTLE, Ky. (July 2008) – Wendell
Thomas has spent years perfecting his barbecue sauce. He has
been a competitive cook traveling the barbecue circuit since
1998 and will bring his culinary expertise to the Henry County
Harvest Showcase on July 26.
Wendell and his wife, Ernestine, will be among other local
cooks displaying their mouth-watering local products. The
Thomases are members of the National Barbecue Association
and have been featured on Cable TV’s Food Network. They
have won numerous awards in Chicken, Ribs, Pork Shoulder and
Beef Brisket categories in cooking competitions.
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File
photo
Wendell
Thomas of Smithfield, Ky., will
bring his Falls City
Smokers barbecue
to the showcase.
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Upon retiring and taking up barbecuing as a
hobby, the couple has traveled hundreds of miles from their
Smithfield, Ky., home to attend competitions. Traveling the
Kansas City Barbeque Circuit, they have been to Alabama, Georgia,
Tennessee, the Carolinas and Illinois.
The Thomases’ were one of the first teams to compete
in the Madison Ribberfest event and will compete in Madison
again this year in August. “We love the travel and the
people we have gotten to know over the years,” said Thomas.
The Thomases will prepare their special barbecue alongside
the Henry County Cattleman’s Association, the Pleasureville
Depot and chefs from the Louisville area in this showcase
of the best agricultural resources Henry County has to offer.
“This event is a grassroots attempt to promote the agricultural
economy to local residents and also an opportunity to reach
out to our city neighbors and help them to reconnect with
the land,” said Maryellen Garrison, Henry County Extension
Agent.
The 9th annual Henry County Harvest Showcase and Lunch at
the Farmer’s Market will be held from 10 a.m. until 4
p.m. at the Henry County Fairgrounds. Food, games, livestock,
crafts, contests, music, fresh produce for sale, straw and
flowers are just some of the offerings on the day’s schedule
of events.
If attendance numbers prove that the public is interested
in the future of agriculture, then the 4,000 people who visited
the showcase last year left with a sense of satisfaction.
Visitors came from the Kentucky counties of Oldham, Shelby,
Trimble, Jefferson, Fayette, Owen, Franklin and Mercer counties.
This free family event provides fun for all ages. Of special
interest to children are the old-time games and a visit to
the Livestock Pavilion.
The day will begin at 7:30 a.m. with breakfast provided by
the Henry County Chamber of Commerce for those setting up
booths. Visitors can enjoy lunch made from locally grown produce
under the shade of the “Big Tent.”
This event “takes you back 30 years,” said Barbara
Gregory of Gregory Farms and president of the Henry County
Farmer’s Market. The public is able to browse, eat and
visit, getting a first-hand view of rural America, she said.
Many out-of town and even out-of-state people who are visiting
relatives in Henry County actually schedule their visit around
the showcase, said Gregory.
“There is something for everybody.”
Equine events, demonstrations, an Antique Tractor Show and
children’s games will begin at 10 a.m., a broom making
demonstration will be held at 11 a.m., a Husband Calling and
Liar’s Contest at 12:30 p.m., and a Corn Hole Tournament
at 2 p.m. (with registration at 1 p.m.). Music will be played
throughout the day by the Henry County Band, Music ‘N
a Box, Muddy Loafers and Unfinished.
The Henry County Ag Diversification group will meet at 2 p.m.,
and the Community Farm Alliance will hold a meeting at 2:30
p.m.
The Antique Tractor Show is a combination of display and operation.
Last year 19 tractors participated, said organizer Mike Ray.
“We hope for more this year.”
A display of a belt-driven rock crusher will return, said
Ray, and stationary engines will be on hand in addition to
the tractors.
At 1 p.m., Tractor Games will begin. Included will be a slow
race, egg ‘n spoon race, standing start race and a log
chain drag. The Salt River Antique Power Club is the local
club that plays a major part in the tractor show, said Ray.
Members hail from Spencer, Shelby, Henry and other surrounding
counties.
An Antique Tractor Pull is a new addition to this year’s
showcase lineup. Beginning at 4 p.m., antique engines will
round out the day’s activities.
• For more information, contact
the Henry County Extension Office at (502) 845-2811.
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