UpDate - Vol. 14, No. 27, Page 8
April 13, 1995
Ag Day offers day in the country on April 22

     At Ag Day last spring, Rob Rohrer, perched on a hay-filled wagon,
served as a tour guide, speaking so loud and so long that he lost his
voice by day's end. Meanwhile, Lisa Emele helped slice more than 500
rolls, then cheerfully served up pork barbecue to a hungry crowd.
     Rohrer and Emele are just two of the hundreds of UD students who
have made Ag Day one of the highpoints of spring in Delaware, year
after successful year.
     Scheduled from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, April 22, this
College of Agricultural Sciences festival is student run and is
designed to showcase the many dimensions of agriculture to the
University and the community at large.
     Those attending can see cows being milked and get a chance to
learn about wildlife. Local homeowners come to realize the benefits of
testing the soil in their garden and the ways to guard against
foodborne illness. Preschoolers go wild over a petting zoo and they
learn the differences between "good" and "bad" bugs.
     "I like to think of it as educating through fun," said Emele, a
junior and a member of Alpha Zeta honor fraternity. "And, this year,
we think you'll find even more ways to have fun at Ag Day."
     New for '95 will be a living-history exhibit on loan from the
Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village. Members of Alpha Zeta will
stroll about the grounds, wearing reproductions of turn-of-the-century
clothing. Later in the day, they'll hold a game of Town Ball, the
precursor to modern baseball. Some lucky visitors may even get to join
in the game.
     "This year, we have invited more outside groups, such as the
Agricultural Museum, to work with us," said Rohrer, president of the
Agriculture College Council, which oversees the entire event. Other
new attractions include a central stage where educational and
entertaining shows will be scheduled throughout the day.
     "People do try to be creative with their exhibits," Emele said.
"For example, the Farmhouse-a dormitory for students with an interest
in agriculture-is selling popcorn. But rather than leaving it at that,
they also will be explaining about the many career opportunities
related to corn production."
     Ag Day, held on the grounds of the College of Agriculture
Sciences, is free and open to the public.
     For information, call 831-2508.