Monroe County family’s roots run deep.  Just like a plant, a healthy root system is the foundation for a bountiful harvest.  Annually, the Farmer’s Day Celebration in quiet, Union, West Virginia, signifies the start of the harvest season and a time to gather friends and family to take a break from their toils.  This year marks the 65th Farmer’s Day and will take place June 7, 8 and 9th.

The celebration kicks off with a street dance.  As the sun goes down, the lawn chairs and dancing shoes come out.  Gabe Dixon and the Whiskey River Band are sure to start things off right with some classic country and rock ballads.  Dance the night away, but be sure to rest up for a Saturday full of fun.

Come, fill your belly at the Farmer’s Breakfast.  If sausage and pancakes aren’t your style, participate in the 5K.  Better yet, do both.  After all, they both support local organizations.  Before the parade, there will be various activities for the family.  Main Street restaurants, churches and organizations will be serving their signature food items.  There will also be a kids’ zone and craft village for attendees to enjoy.   The annual parade is always one for the books.  Expect to see lots of floats, antique cars, horses, rescue vehicles, and Shriners in this lengthy spectacle.

After the parade, grab lunch and head to the cook-off, listen to live music, watch the horse show, stroll through the antique cars and trucks, or warm up your arm for the Corn Hole and Horseshoe Tournaments. Later in the evening, make your way back downtown for live music on the main stage, the 2nd Annual Farmer’s Day Raffle drawings, and Fireworks. After a year hiatus, fireworks are back on the schedule.

Tickets are now on sale for the Farmer’s Day Raffle.  Grand Prize currently stands as a Bush Hog Zero Turn HDC Mower or $7,000 cash. There are thirteen other prizes  up for grabs.  They include cash, guns, jewelry, and even a spa package.  At only $25/ ticket, and only 1250 tickets for sale, why not take a chance.  This is a fundraiser for the Union Area Chamber of Commerce.  Funds raised support special events like Farmer’s Day, Christmas festivities, scholarships, and other community programs.

New events are being added daily, stay in the loop by “liking” the Union Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook page, and by keeping a look out in local newspapers.  Contact the Chamber at unionchamberwv@yahoo.com or by leaving a message at 304-772-3003.

– HashtagWV May 2019