Aggie Day, a new initiative aimed at educating children about the importance of farming, took place on June 8 at Kathyrn School in Rocky View County.
According to Quincy Shierman, AG Day committee member, the event was a success, leaving a lasting impression on the young participants.
She said it was an opportunity for the small K-8 school’s students to discover the significance of farming in their everyday lives. Aggie Day showcased how farming not only generates the food they eat but also acknowledged how it ties in with nutrition and the environment.
“They can get hands-on with various activities that help them understand the importance of farming,” Shierman said. “We are especially thrilled to have Beiseker School join us, allowing their students to engage and learn alongside us.”
During the event, farm animals took the spotlight, captivating the children's attention and curiosity.
The organizers understood the importance of engaging in activities to keep the children entertained and interested, so they prepared a range of hands-on experiences that allowed the children to interact with the farm animals directly.
“They [could] interact with farm animals, explore live bee hives, and even walk through a cattle liner,” said Shierman.
Shierman said these experiences provided the young students a deeper understanding of why farming is essential and teach them to appreciate the effort involved in raising animals for food production.
Aggie Day aimed to equip children with the necessary tools and knowledge to appreciate the world of agriculture and the individuals who make it their livelihood. By developing engaging firsthand experiences, the organizers hoped to instill values of sustainability and environmental responsibility among Kathyrn School's students.
The success of Aggie Day would not have been possible without the generous support and assistance of the event's sponsors, according to Shierman, who noted the organizers were grateful for their dedication to making Aggie Day a reality.
“We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all the sponsors, exhibitors, school staff, the incredible committee, and anyone else who contributed to this event that we might have missed,” she said.
As the event concluded, Shierman said the children left with a newfound understanding of the significance of farming in society. They cherished the memories of interacting with the animals, engaging in fun activities, and gaining a deeper appreciation for the hard work of farmers.
According to Shierman, Aggie Day not only sparked curiosity and excitement, but also planted the seeds for a future generation that values the agricultural industry and the environment.
Looking ahead, Kathyrn School’s Aggie Day will continue to inspire and educate children about the wonders of farming. The success of the inaugural event sets the stage for a brighter and more sustainable future and organizers are hopeful it will become a yearly tradition.
“This is our inaugural year hosting this event,” Shierman said. “After months of meticulous planning, we are excited to see our vision come to life."
“This event marks the beginning of what we hope will become a cherished annual tradition.”
