Started in 1955 as a collaboration between Henderson County Cooperative Extension and Kiwanis. Today, Farm City Day celebrates Henderson County’s rural traditions and introduces the urban population to some common farming activities from today and the past.

The event features many educational hands-on activities including a farm animal petting zoo, old-time craft demonstrations and a fishing pond. There are many children’s games and a wagon ride through the park. Planned entertainment includes the WTZQ Radio’s Local Artist Showcase Stage, showcasing musicians performing throughout the day. Food vendors and displays cover 50 acres of Jackson Park the first Saturday of October annually.

The mission of Farm City Day is to increase the ‘agricultural awareness’ of Henderson County’s youth. Surveys of young people across the country have shown that children lack basic knowledge about how their food is produced. Many areas of our state have been labeled a ‘food desert’ by the USDA, meaning access to fresh foods is low. County Agents with NC State Cooperative Extension work to increase agricultural awareness and fresh food opportunities among members of their communities. Agricultural, 4-H, and Family and Consumer Science Agents create programs individually and collaboratively to increase agricultural awareness and fresh food opportunities for local residents.