The Avon Public Library hosted a farm safety day in conjunctionwiththeirsummer reading program. There was a record breaking attendance of eighty-eight children who checked in at registration with many adults accompanying them. It was a gorgeous day outsidetoenjoythefarmsafety exhibits on Main Street.

B-Y Electric had set up a booth to visit with kids about safety around electricity. They handed out play hard hats and flashlight trinkets to the kids. Farmers Union came from Huron with an exhibit on safety rules of riding a 4-Wheeler. After discussing the rules, the kids were each givenanopportunitytogetonto the 4-Wheeler and show their newfound knowledge during a simulationprogram.Insidethe Farmer’sUniontrailer,visitors were invited to watch a video and do activities to learn about PTO safety. There was also an animal exhibit featuring farm animals the children could learn about and pet. These included horses shown by Hayden and Hensley Talsma, calves presented by Angie and CarmindyFerwerda,goatsand sheep brought by Kelli, Tessa, and Kaelee Pazour, Bunnies shownbyMaddyHuitema,and chickens presented by Sophie Schott. Many participants visited the library to turn in the reading forms for our reading contest and to check out books.

After all the activities were complete,everyonewasinvited to grab snacks representing the farm. They munched on tractor tires (chocolate donettes,) hay and straw bales (rice Krispie treats shaped and decorated like bales,) and ears of corn (popcorn decorated in green tissue paper.) Everyone quenched their thirst with ice cold bottles of water courtesy of Farmer’s Pride.

Next came the prize drawing. Three lucky winners Finn Rush, Hadley Cihak, and Gideon DenHerder had the lucky numbers to each win $30 gift cards courtesy of Bomgaar’s in Wagner. Five more children were drawn to win hats donated by C&B Operations of Wagner, and 5 children were able to chose from the library treasure box, which contains many items, including boxed book sets. The rest of the children in attendance were given a small nerf football courtesy of Farmer’s Union. Adults accompanying the children also wonprizessuchascattlesticks, hats,andbagscourtesyofC&B Operations.

Keeping our children safe, learning, and reading is essential to the future of our farming community. Thank you, thank you, thank you to EVERYONE who had a part in making this day a big success. Our next session will be on July10thatthelibrary.Wewill have a guest reader, make cow crafts, fold cow origami corner bookmarks, and eat cow pies (no bake cookies.)

Courtesy Photos