By Blake Jackson
More than 2,500 community members, including producers, families, and youth, gathered for the annual Mountain Ag Week and Field Day at the University of Kentucky’s Robinson Center, part of the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.
The weeklong celebration featured a variety of free events Win with Wood, Youth Science Day, Pumpkin Day, and Field Day-offering hands-on learning and family fun while celebrating the Robinson Center’s heritage.
“We are pleased to share that these events broke attendance records this year,” said Daniel Wilson, Robinson Center director. “We remain thankful to the University of Kentucky, our college, and Extension agents and administration that allowed us to rebuild following the 2022 floods in Kentucky - providing the level of programs that we have today. Events like this happen because of our amazing team coming together.”
This year’s activities centered around the Robinson Center Pavilion, a newly constructed facility built after the devastating 2022 floods. Organizer Rhonda Linkous said the pavilion was transformative for hosting community events. “It’s a hub where we can bring everyone together, rain or shine,” she said.
Throughout the week, events showcased the Center’s educational and agricultural outreach. The Win with Wood competition invited students from several counties to participate in forestry and wildlife-themed challenges.
Pumpkin Day delighted families with storytelling, wagon rides, pumpkin tastings, and livestock displays, while Youth Science Day introduced children to topics such as hydroponics, circuitry, and tree identification.
Chuck Stamper, Extension Special Projects Coordinator, said, “Over the past 20 years, we have worked at the Robinson Center to develop learning experiences and programs for youths from across the Appalachian Region."
Field Day concluded the week with farm tours, research demonstrations, and workshops, including building cedar birdhouses. Student Zoey Ortega shared, “Visiting the Robinson Center for the first time, it was great not only to learn about the impactful work being done there but also to create and take home a product.”
“There’s always a story to tell at the Robinson Center,” added Linkous.
Photo Credit: istock-urpspoteko
Categories: Kentucky, Education, General