Ag Day + spring draw thousands

3:30 p.m., April 30, 2004--“This was by far the biggest crowd we’ve ever had for Ag Day. There were thousands of people. The parking lot was full all the way to the Bob Carpenter Center,” Karen Aniunas, assistant dean for student services, said, describing UD’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources’ 29th annual Ag Day, held April 24 on the grounds of Townsend Hall.

Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity sold out its 700 chicken dinners and gave farm tours to about 800 persons; Alpha Zeta fraternity sold 1,000 pork sandwiches, and the Wildlife Conservation Club sold more than 400 cotton candy "trees” made of green candy on brown sticks.

Thousands of plants also were purchased.

The Horticulture Club sold more than 5,000 bedding plants, annual flowers and vegetables, and approximately 700 foliage and houseplants grown by students in the “Production and Management of Ornamental Plants” class.

Aniunas credited the success of the day to the weather, the variety and type of activities (55 student and community organizations had interactive displays and exhibits) and the Ag Day teamwork class.

Called “Practical Team Work, “ the class consists of 10 students, chosen by Aniunas, who plan and execute Ag Day. They begin nine months before the event and receive two credits for their efforts.

Ag Day promotes the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and raises funds for student clubs, Cooperative Extension’s 4-H clubs, Master Gardeners and related organizations. The popular family event showcases modern agriculture and natural resources.

Article by Barbara Garrison
Photos by Danielle Quigley

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