Richmond County residents came together along Ellerbe’s Main Street Saturday morning in the sunshine and cold wind to wave to their friends on floats in the annual Farm-City Parade.
Antique tractors, classic cars, the Moore County Shriners, Pee Dee Electric and the Humane Society, to name a few, paraded through Ellerbe and tossed candy to children who gathered it eagerly on the sidewalks.
“I thought it was fantastic,” said Amy Yaklin, Farm Service Agency executive director and Ellerbe resident farm owner. “We had more entries than ever, over 150 (in the parade). Lots of antique tractors and cars. The Raider Marching Band and the Ellerbe Cheerleaders were leading the way.”
The late Margaret and Edwin Richardson were honorary Grand Marshals. “They both passed away in February and loved working in the community and were involved in many farm related organizations,” Yaklin said. “They were both always laughing and in the middle of what was going on and had enjoyed being a part of our previous Farm-City Week activities. Thousands of folks lined Main Street in Ellerbe to see it all. The parade ended with Mountain Creek Fire Department and Dear Old Santa Claus.”
After the Playaz Elite Motorcycle Club put on a show with several burn-outs that smoked up Main Street, and horses trotted through, the crowd filed between the buildings and headed to the vendors who were selling crafts and food. The American Legion sold barbecue sandwiches, turkey legs and drinks. A chorus of singers lit up the atmosphere with songs as people milled around shopping nearly shoulder to shoulder.
“After the parade, over 35 local vendors provided food, arts and crafts,” said Yaklin. “The Humane Society and several information vendors were also on hand. Overall the whole event was wonderful. It was a sunny, blustery day for a great parade.”
Yaklin has been instrumental in helping organize Farm-City Week events for several years.
Monday at noon, the Farmer’s Luncheon was held at the Richmond County Ag Center, and Sarah Mammarella, Consumer Science Agent for the Extension, was there to help serve up the food.
“It was a pleasure to attend the 2012 Richmond County Farm City Banquet,” said Mammarella. “There were farmers from all generations around the tables. The food was amazing. Most of the food featured was local including smoked goat from Richmond County and also fresh sweet potato and pecan pie. It was a good time for fellowship and to honor the farmers. Without them, we don’t eat.”
Up next on the schedule of events for Farm-City Week is the Farm-City Banquet on Tuesday night at 6:30 p.m. at the Cole Auditorium on RCC’s campus in Hamlet. Tickets are $10 at the door. If you are a cake baker and would like to bring cake, you are welcome to include your best cake and business card at the dessert table.
For more information about Farm-City Week events, call the Farm Service Agency at 910-895-3950, ext. 2.
— Staff Writer Dawn M. Kurry can be reached at 910-997-3111, ext. 15, or by email at dkurry@heartlandpublications.com.
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