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18th ANNUAL TASTE OF ALABAMA AGRICULTURE SET FOR AG HILL NOV. 7
AUBURN, Ala.__-- What could be better than War Eagle fries on homecoming
game day? How about fried catfish, chicken tenders, pork tenderloin,
turnip greens and pot liquor, good music, good friends, interesting
exhibits and a killer auction---all for a good cause.
You can find these and more at the 18th annual Ag Round-up and Taste
of Alabama Agriculture to be held from 9 a.m. till noon on Nov. 7, on
Ag Hill, adjacent to Comer Hall on the Auburn University campus.
The Taste includes food grown or processed in Alabama. Included on the
menu are: pork, beef, catfish, chicken, seafood, collard greens, orange
and blue (war eagle) french fries, satsuma oranges, apples, peanuts,
ice cream and more. The food is sponsored by the various commodity groups
in Alabama.
The Agri-Opry, a group of local musicians, who play in different bands
in the area, unite once a year for the Taste. The band will play several
sets during the event. The Auburn pep band and cheerleaders will lead
a couple of cheers to increase the enthusiasm for those attending the
AU vs Central Florida homecoming game.
An antique tool show, an authentic turn-of-the-century steam powered
tractor, antique tractors, a cotton gin, a syrup mill, and other exhibits
will give visitors a taste of Alabama agriculture of old. An interactive
computer setup, exhibits on precision farming and environmental control
will provide a more modern, high tech, look at agriculture.
During the Taste, an auction will be held, featuring such items as hunting
trips, beach vacations, and original artwork. The auction is an event
within itself, featuring professional auctioneer Jimmy Collins and Commissioner
of Agriculture Jack Thompson.
All the proceeds from the Taste go to the College of Agriculture scholarship
program. Last year's event produced revenue to fund two full scholarships,
plus other partial awards. Over 2,000 people attended last year's Taste,
and an even bigger crowd is expected this year.
"Taste of Alabama Agriculture has many functions," noted Interim
Dean of Agriculture, Ron Shumack. "It gives our commodities an
opportunity to show ag and non-ag audiences alike the benefits of their
products, it brings the ag community together, it provides some insights
into modern agriculture for those not directly involved in the industry,
it provide needed scholarship money for the College and it is just a
fun event. A big party that everybody enjoys," Shumack noted.
Cost for the fun, the food, the entertainment, the whole party is five
dollars. "You won't leave hungry and you'll have a good time,"
noted Don Conner, a professor of poultry science, and chairman of this
year's Fall Roundup Committee.
The Taste of Alabama began several years ago as Tailgate 101, sponsored
by the Alabama Cattlemen's Association. The Alabama Ag Alumni Association
for 17 years held Ag Roundup. Five years ago the two events were combined
to become Taste of Alabama Agriculture.
In past years, visitors have sampled shiitake mushrooms, ostrich, seafood
gumbo, soybean tofu and emu. Each year more and better food is added.
The Horticulture Department sponsors a variety of vegetables, including
orange and blue potatoes, now known as War Eagle fries. The staples
of Alabama livestock, beef, pork, chicken and catfish remain favorites
and do turnip greens and cornbread.
The Taste of Alabama Agriculture is held adjacent to Comer Hall on Ag
Hill--the sounds and smells make it easy to find.
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By:
Roy Roberson
10/29/98
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