In days gone by, the local community center was the place to meet friends and family for a game of softball or to toss some horseshoes. Hundreds of folks would show up for an ice cream social with a notice in the paper and a flier at the general store. &bsp;

Polk County has a major resource that is waiting to be mobilized, according to Polk County Agricultural Economic Development Director Lynn Sprague.

There are many community centers in Polk County, from Green Creek and Stoney Knoll to Sunny View and Pea Ridge. &bsp;

Sprague says some community centers are left vacant and others are still active hosting boy scouts, service groups, day care centers and senior services.&bsp; In the effort to maintain the rural character of our county, the centers represent an existing asset ready to go, he says.

The Green Creek Community Center has been a pilot project for getting things started. &bsp;

Since April, the Green Creek Tailgate Market has provided fresh produce and baked goods every Tuesday night from 5 to 7:30 p.m. For those who found the center off of Hwy. 9, they have been treated to hot dogs, tomato sandwiches and grilled squash, and the market has been a good place to visit with neighbors.

During the month of August there will be even more activities to choose from.

You are invited to join for a two-hour tag sale. Load the back of your pick up or the trunk of your car and see what you can sell, barter or trade.&bsp; Sure beats spending all day Saturday at a flea market! To get things started, the spots are free.

In addition, we will have three new horseshoe pits this week. When was the last time you played horseshoes? &bsp;

Have your kids ever played horseshoes? Next week the community center might add a tether ball and hopes to have some pickup softball. &bsp;

For more information, contact the Office of Agricultural Economic Development, 828- 894-2281.