87th Iredell County Agricultural Fair set to begin September 1, Iredell Free News
87th Iredell County Agricultural Fair set to begin September 1 Iredell Free News
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Thrills and Yummy Fair Food at the 87th Iredell County Agricultural Fair
Introduction
The 87th Iredell County Agricultural Fair is set to open on Friday, September 1, at 5 p.m. This nine-day event aims to promote local agriculture, engage youth in agricultural activities, and educate the public about the impact of agriculture in their community and daily lives. The fair is organized by the Iredell County Cooperative Extension Service and the Kiwanis Club of Statesville.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Promote local agriculture (SDG 2: Zero Hunger)
- Improve youth participation in agricultural-related activities (SDG 4: Quality Education)
- Educate the public about the impact of agriculture (SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production)
Event Details
- Date: September 1 – September 9
- Location: Iredell County Fairgrounds
- Official Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony: September 1 at 7 p.m.
Partnership with Kiwanis Club
The Kiwanis Club of Statesville uses the profits from the fair to sponsor local organizations or service projects. Past recipients include the Boy and Girl Scouts, Relay for Life, United Way, Special Olympics, 4-H programs, Boys & Girls Clubs, My Sister’s House, and Hospice & Palliative Care of Iredell County. The club also provides scholarships to high school seniors and supports youth involvement in agriculture through organizations like 4-H and FFA.
Celebrating Agriculture in Iredell County
Iredell County is a state agricultural production leader, with a $622 million economic impact from agriculture-related businesses. The fair showcases the county’s agricultural achievements through exhibits featuring crops, products, arts, crafts, and creations. Visitors can learn about the diverse range of agriculture products produced in Iredell County, including corn, silage, wheat, rapeseed, cotton, barley, hay, tobacco, forestry, and landscape nurseries.
Importance of Sustainable Agriculture
While the number of farms in Iredell County has decreased, farm size, livestock numbers, and production have increased. However, farmland shrinkage due to development is a concern. Sustainable agriculture practices are crucial to meet the growing demand for food while preserving land resources. The fair aims to raise awareness about the need for sustainable farming practices and encourage young people to pursue careers in agriculture.
Admission and Special Deals
- General Admission: $5 (Children 6 and under admitted free)
- Free Admission Day: September 7 for K-12 students, senior citizens (over 60), and veterans (with military ID)
- Unlimited Rides Wristband: $20 each day
- Parking: $2 per car in Kiwanis-operated lots on the fairgrounds property
Competitions and Exhibits
The fair provides opportunities for local farmers, 4-H Club members, crafters, artists, seamstresses, gardeners, and homemakers to showcase their talents and compete in various categories. Over $60,000 in premiums are being offered for competitions in field and garden crops, farm display, garden clubs, flowers and plants, family and consumer science categories, clothing, furnishings, arts and crafts, 4-H and youth exhibits, livestock, rabbits, and poultry.
Daily Entertainment
The fair offers daily entertainment with the Space Adventure Thrill Show. This show combines thrilling stunts with educational content related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Spectators of all ages can learn about the moon, centrifugal force, space travel equipment, and other fascinating aspects of space exploration.
Daily Special Events
The fair features special events throughout its duration. These include Go Kart Racing, dairy cattle shows, beef cattle shows, Mini Outlaws Racers competitions, sheep and goat shows, dairy judging contests, and a Special Abilities Junior Dairy Show. The grand finale is the Demolition Derby on the last day of the fair.
Fair Sponsors
The 2023 fair is sponsored by Millridge Speedway, Iredell County FFA, Iredell County 4-H, Iredell County Agricultural Extension Service, Iredell County Sheriff’s Office, Iredell County EMS, Troutman Police Department, and the Town of Troutman.
Conclusion
The 87th Iredell County Agricultural Fair offers a fun-filled experience for visitors while promoting sustainable agriculture and supporting local organizations. By highlighting the achievements of local farmers and artisans, the fair contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting zero hunger, quality education, responsible consumption and production, and partnerships for the goals.
For More Information
Contact the fair office at 704-508-2126 for additional information.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 15: Life on Land
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding and other disasters and that progressively improve land and soil quality.
- SDG 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development.
- SDG 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.
- SDG 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
- SDG 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Number of farms in Iredell County (indicator for SDG 2.4)
- Economic impact of agriculture on the county (indicator for SDG 2.4)
- Number of entries in the fair’s competitions (indicator for SDG 4.7)
- Prizes awarded in competition categories (indicator for SDG 4.7)
- Amount of farmland lost to development (indicator for SDG 12.2)
- Ranking of Iredell County in dairy cattle, all cattle production, silage, hay production, and layers (chickens) (indicator for SDG 15.1)
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 2: Zero Hunger | 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding and other disasters and that progressively improve land and soil quality. | – Number of farms in Iredell County – Economic impact of agriculture on the county |
| SDG 4: Quality Education | 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development. | – Number of entries in the fair’s competitions – Prizes awarded in competition categories |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value. | N/A |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources. | – Amount of farmland lost to development |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements. | – Ranking of Iredell County in dairy cattle, all cattle production, silage, hay production, and layers (chickens) |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: iredellfreenews.com
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