By Elizabeth Connolly
Hometown Weekly Reporter
The 2024 Ag Expo appeared to be a big success despite cloudy skies and below average temperatures for mid-May.
The annual event, which is both sponsored by and a fundraiser for the Future Farmer’s of America (FFA), has grown very popular over the years. It takes place on the grounds of the Norfolk County Agricultural High School (NCAHS, also known simply as “The Aggie”) on Main Street, and offers attendees an array of things to see and do, such as raffles, games, touch-a-truck, a petting zoo, pony rides, concessions, and much more. New this year was Cow Flop Bingo, an updated twist on a classic game. Traditionally, a person or family would purchase a square in a field, and whichever square the cow chose to do their business in would be deemed the winner. In this modern, and less messy, version, a helicopter dropped a bag of tootsie rolls onto a field of squares. Whoever owned the square the bag landed on was the winner.
The expo kicked off with right at 11am and became busy quickly. A constant stream of folks kept wandering in, and the parking lots filled quickly. Kids with cotton candy cones bigger than their heads could be seen waiting in line for the hay ride, and many adults were spotted perusing the plant sale and vendor market.
“Plants are a buck apiece!” exclaimed one shopper, while juggling a cardboard box loaded with vegetable and herb plants. “Best deal in town!”
While some grown ups enjoyed great deals, the kids in attendance had a terrific time playing with bubbles, climbing trees, and meeting some of the school’s animals. For about a dollar each, tickets could be purchased for games, crafts, popcorn, drinks, face painting and other fun activities and delicious snacks. There was truly something for everyone to enjoy.
Founded in 1917, The Aggie is a public high school that offers programs in Animal and Marine Science, Agricultural and Diesel Mechanics, Environmental Science, and Plant Science. The students enjoy a curriculum that consists of both educational and vocational opportunities, as well as many extracurricular offerings.
According to the Norfolk Chapter FFA website, the Ag Expo “serves as an important fundraiser for the Norfolk Chapter FFA, with funds used to help support all Aggie students going to Big E, National Convention and other FFA events.”
