Great Lakes Agricultural Fair Association joining in the fun at Utica Riverwalk Festival
Among the river front views, the live entertainment and the carnival, the Great Lakes Agricultural Fair Association (GLAF) will bring a slice of farm life to the Utica Riverwalk Festival 2014.
It’s the perfect complement to the festival, said Linda Davis-Kirksey, co-chairperson of the Utica Riverwalk Festival. She explained that originally people were drawn to the area because of the river and farming. Having the agricultural component from the GLAF brings the community back to its roots.
“GLAF seemed like the perfect match,” she said. “I think it will attract people to the event.”
Although Utica is more urban in nature now, residents continue to treasure its history and Davis-Kirksey is pleased to welcome GLAF to the Utica Riverwalk Festival, which is celebrating its third year.
The Great Lakes Agricultural Fair will host an animal petting zoo with 30-40 different farm animals that children will be able to feed, pet and learn from. It is designed to be both an entertaining and educational experience for children and their families.
Also featured will be several agricultural education vendors who will have presentations on various agriculture concepts, such as the “Farm to Table” exhibit that explains how food gets from the farm to a family’s table.
The Utica Riverwalk Festival is one of several events where GLAF will bring its travelling educational exhibits. In collaboration with a variety of community organizations and regional festivals, the organization is excited to spread the word about agricultural development and the role in plays in the lives of Michigan families.
“People need to know where their food comes from,” said Steve Thelen, GLAF executive director. “A lot of people think that food just comes from the corner market.”
The GLAF hopes to change that by bringing a series of agricultural displays and exhibits to local festivals and events statewide.
In addition to the Utica Riverwalk Festival the GLAF program will be at:
- Metro Detroit Youth Day July 9, featuring the Scholarship Career Program and a Pure Michigan display
- Farm to Fork “Taste of Agriculture” fundraising event for the GLAF Association’s Gold Ribbon Scholarship Program Sept. 24
- CORP! Food and Agricultural Awards Breakfast Nov. 4
As GLAF guides our citizens to discover the treasures of Michigan, they will be joined by their Treasured Partners, which include, Axis CrossMedia, CORP! Food & Agriculture, Genisys Credit Union, Greening Detroit, Michigan Food and Beverage Association, Michigan State University Extension and Pure Michigan.
For more information about the GLAF Association, including more details about the fair initiative and the GLAF’s scholarship program, visit www.miglaf.org
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The Great Lakes Agriculture Fair Association was organized as a Michigan not for profit corporation in February of 2011. The organization is committed to excellence in providing opportunities for the development and promotion of agriculture, education, industry and family entertainment. This scholarship program reflects its mission to provide an educational experience for urban, near urban and rural people, especially youth, through programs and exhibitions designed to include local and regional participation, demonstrations and competition.
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