MECHANICSTOWN, Ohio — Mahoning, and Stark SWCD offices are working together to present the fourth annual Agriculture-Natural Resource-Conservation Expo.
The expo offers free parking, free admission and free demonstrations. This year it will be held Sept. 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine.
The Ag Expo is held at the McClester Farm near Augusta. Robert and Bernice McClester was the first family in Ohio to donate their farm into an agricultural easement in perpetuity to the Ohio Department of Agriculture.
The expo will offer ways to help see what others are doing on their property to make it sustainable.
Exhibitors
Ohio Proud kitchen will be there, and area chefs will be cooking.
Mindy and Phil Bartholomae of Breezy Hill Farm in Homeworth will be there to show their passion and commitment to growing vegetables, fruits and flowers using sustainable agricultural methods.
Dale Arnold, director of Energy Services for Ohio Farm Bureau, will be available to answer questions about gas and oil leasing.
Kenyon Energy of North Canton will be there to offer information on how you can help invest in the future of Ohio energy.
Additionally, Carroll Electric Co-op will be on site to promote electrical safety and provide information on how Carroll Electric is operated, the services available to consumers in their area and the responsibility of member consumers.
John Grafton will be there to address questions on bees. Grafton is a retired Ohio Department of Agriculture apiary specialist and current vice president for the Ohio State Beekeepers Association.
The Carroll County Bee Club will also be on hand.
Archaeologist
Bryan Lee, Natural Resource Conservation Services archaeologist, will make an appearance. He will be at the Expo from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Lee will be able to examine your artifacts and provide answers. He could possibly tell you what it is, where it is from, when it is from and what it was used for.
Possible artifacts include arrowheads, tools and pottery.
There will also be youth events at this year’s Ag Expo.
Some activities include a fishing derby, kiddie tractor pull, archery contest, turkey shoot, puppet show, meeting with Smokey the Bear, and many interactive stations. At these stations, you can make craft items that are soil and water related, engage in an obstacle course/race, and explore the Enviroscape table-top environmental models.
Participating children will be able to receive a drawstring backpack.
Fishing derby
The fishing derby is a youth only event, and all participants must register in order to fish during derby hours. Parents are encouraged to assist children during the tournament, but will not be permitted to fish. Poles, tackle, and bait will be provided for each child.
Prizes will be given to the age division winners (5-8, 9-12, 13-15), and grand prizes will be awarded for the largest fish and for the most fish caught.
Registration will be from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., with fishing beginning at 1:30 p.m.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife is bringing an Archery Trailer. This is designed to give youth hands-on experience in the sport of archery. Youth will shoot in a small enclosed range. Bows will be provided for all participants.
There will also be a one-hour turkey shoot for youth participants. Each child will get one shot from a sitting station using bird shot.
The Tuscarawas County Farm Safety Pedal Tractor Pull will be at the expo again this year. Classes are determined by age. Registration will be from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., with the pull beginning at 3 p.m. The winners will receive a T-shirt.
This year, youth attending will also have an opportunity to learn from S.K. Worm. This 6-foot electronic worm will give the dirt on soil in a fun, interactive way.
The youth events are planned in coordination with the Agriculture, Natural Resources & Conservation Expo.
Details
Admission and parking are free for this event.
Restroom facilities, food and first-aid will also be available. Limited handicapped access is available.
For a list of exhibitors, demonstrations and activities, visit the website at www.anrcexpo.com.
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