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Photo by Sam Yu
Chickens and rabbits were part of the agricultural displays at the 53rd Thurmont and Emmitsburg Community Show. |
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Thurmont — The 53rd annual Thurmont and Emmitsburg Community Show drew the largest crowd ever and was a success on several fronts thanks to the cooperation of volunteers, said Rodman Myers, president of the show.The three-day event, held from Sept. 11 to 13 at Catoctin High School, attracted between 6,000 and 7,000 people, Myers said. High points included an inspiring flag ceremony that with 34 participants, honoring the eighth anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, and recognition of the Emmitsburg Vigilant Hose Co. on its 125th anniversary and eight individuals from the fire company and the community. "We had a lot of comments on how inspiring the program was," Myers said. "But it should be noted that the primary goal of the show is to promote agriculture. We get great cooperation from the Catoctin FFA thanks to (agriculture teachers) Diane Ogg and Brian Hendrickson." Another high point of the show was the cake auction, Myers said. The Grand Champion cake, baked by Dawn Hobbs of Rocky Ridge, was purchased by Jay Ruby of Global Force Co. for $850. And Maggie and John Doll, owners of Gateway Farm Market, bought $850 worth of cakes, which they shared with their customers, Myers said. It was the first time in a long time that the Maryland Department of Agriculture secretary attended the show, Myers said. MDA Secretary Buddy Hance commended the show on its community spirit, Myers said. The show also attracted 92 animals: 54 hogs sold for an average of $1.69 a pound; 16 sheep sold for an average of $2.60 a pound; 17 steers sold for an average of $1.41 a pound and for the first year, market meat goats were sold for an average of $2.47 a pound. The log sawing contest attracted 53 contestants between the ages of 10 and 20; the decorated animal contest had seven contestants. Zachary Willard of Smithsburg, won the Sterling Eyler Memorial Sportsmanship Award and David Young received the Eddie Free Memorial Award for placing highest as a Hereford junior exhibitor. Jessica Clarke of Rocky Ridge and Tyler Donnelly of Emmitsburg , were named the 2009-2010 Catoctin High School FFA Ambassadors. The Community Show is sponsored by the Thurmont Grange, Catoctin FFA Chapter, Catoctin FFA Alumni and the Maryland State Agricultural Fair Board.
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