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LANDRUM—On Saturday morning, the Landrum Farmers Market hosted Ag & FFA Day to celebrate Landrum High Schools’ outstanding Future Farmers of America program from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The celebration featured pumpkin painting, face painting, farm animals from Farmers Market vendors, a bake sale, and live music. Foothills Humane Society was also on hand with several adorable pups available for adoption.

FFA is a student organization for students interested in agriculture and leadership. It is one of the three components of agricultural education. Jessie Hyder, the school’s Agricultural Educator, runs the Landrum FFA program. 

“This is a great opportunity for our students to get out and visit the Farmers Market and see all the different agri-businesses at the Market,” Hyder said. “They also get a chance to meet and help the community.”

Hyder thanked the vendors and volunteers who helped organize the event.

Shelby Bishop, a senior and the President of LHS FFA said, “I joined FFA thanks to the encouragement from my teachers, and I enjoy helping the community and getting to work outside. It’s also fun to see the Farmers Market and all they do here.”

The Landrum Farmers Market also held a raffle for the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project, which provides grants for farmers affected by Hurricane Helene. ASAP is a group out of Asheville that provides farmers with valuable resources and support for fresh and local markets. The raffle consists of several gift baskets featuring items from their vendors, with tickets costing a dollar each through November 2. 

The Market also served a hot dog lunch thanks to the Landrum Methodist Church Men’s Club, which provided the grill and the chefs. Together, they raised over $650 for ASAP.