Davie County’s rich history runs deep within our community, and one group of people that help keep that history alive while also providing for the future is the Farmington Community Center. This October, the Community Center is celebrating 50 years since it’s conception in 1971, and 100 years since the first school was constructed on the property in 1921. Since then, the Farmington Community Center has restored historic buildings and built new facilities on the grounds, offering public recreation for all to enjoy.
“The mission statement at the Farmington Community Center is ‘preserving the past to promote the future,’so I think we need to celebrate our past with these two anniversaries while also looking forward with the new park opening for future generations to use. We’ve got three really big milestones going on here,” said Allyson Sawtelle, Farmington Community Center Board Member.
With the anniversary comes community celebration. On October 23rd, come out with family and friends for live music, food, hayrides, demonstrations, vendors, games, and more! The celebration will be held at 1723 Farmington Road, with events starting at 9 a.m. , a ribbon cutting at 12 p.m. , and concerts and other activities lasting all day. Admission is free, and the event is open to the public!
Ceremony and Ribbon Cutting
To commemorate both anniversaries, the Farmington Community Center will cut the ribbon for the grand opening of the Farmington Nature Park at 12 p.m. The new hiking and biking trails will be opened, as well as the mountain bike park, new parking lot, and picnic shelter. Other announcements and recognitions will be made, so be sure to attend!
After the ceremony, the Farmington class reunion will begin, recognizing those who graduated from the Farmington High School.
Live Music
The Community Center is delighted to have a multitude of musical talents to perform throughout the day. Those who would like to watch the concerts will need to bring their own chairs or blankets to sit on.
Worship Band : 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
A hometown group of musicians; you won’t be hearing this band on the internet. The live experience of authentic local music is in store with this band.
- His and Hers: 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
- A bluegrass duo that radiates with the soul of classic country.
- Down the Mountain: 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.
- A folk Americana band that puts a new twist on classic music along with original songs
- Mona Jo and Friends: 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.
- A classic country group centering around Mona Jo’s harmonic banjo picking
- Special Occasion Band: 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
- The feature show for this celebration is the Special Occasion Band. Based out of Winston-Salem, this band “totally defines the word Special … you just provide the Occasion.” If you want to hear some beach music and classic hits, you won’t want to miss this.
Food
A variety of vendors will be selling food all day. From breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert, you won’t be going hungry at this festivity.
- From 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., breakfast biscuits will be sold for $2.00 along with other refreshments.
- From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., barbecue chicken platters will be sold. They are priced at $12.00 a plate and include half a chicken, two sides, and a roll.
- From 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., cake and s’mores will be sold for a late-night dessert treat.
Other food and drink options will be available throughout the day.
Games and Contests
It would not be a celebration without some community competition and outdoor games, and this event is no exception!
In the morning, kids’ games will be hosted by Davie County Recreation and Parks.
- Hula Hoop Contest: 10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
- Three Legged Race: 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
- Sack Race: 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
- Jump Rope Competition: 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
In addition to kid’s games, there will be a Cake Baking Contest. Participants can bake cakes to bring to the celebration, and all cakes should be submitted no later than 10 a.m. for judging. Winners will be announced during the presentations at 12 p.m.
The Men’s Softball Exhibition Game will be held at 2 p.m. for those wanting to spectate.
The Cornhole Competition will be held at 4 p.m. with bags and boards provided. Bring your skills and go for the win! The price of entry is $20 per team of two, and prizes will be awarded to the winners.
Demonstrations
A hundred years ago in Davie County, things weren’t as fast-paced as they are today, and the craft of an artisan was essential in the daily lives of all. To preserve these arts, many have passed down tradition from generation to generation. Demonstrations of historic trades will be held both in the morning and afternoon, with times listed below.
Morning Demonstrations:
Blacksmithing: 9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Herbal Accents with Laura: 9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Pottery: 10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Basket Weaving: 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Quilting: 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Beekeeping: 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Afternoon Demonstrations:
Blacksmithing: 1:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Herbal Accents with Laura: 2:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Pottery: 2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Basket Weaving: 3:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Quilting: 3:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Beekeeping: 4:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
All Day Activities
In addition to everything listed, some activities will take place all day. Fun for the entire family is in store with activities including:
- Antique Tractor Show
- Train Rides
- Photo Booth
- Hayrides
- Antique Car Show
A Day of Celebration
Mark your calendars, bring your lawn chairs, and come hungry! The Farmington Community Center is excited to host this event and ready to open up the new facilities.
“There’s a quote from Walt Disney I’ve been using a lot: ‘there is very little grown-up in every child, there is a lot of child in every grown-up.’ so we’re kind of looking for that in our community where people want to go outside and play and connect with nature; we want to provide a free place for people to do that… we just want all generations to be able to use that park,” said Sawtelle, regarding the opening of the new areas of the park.
For more information about this upcoming celebration, or the Farmington Community Center itself, visit http://farmingtoncc.org/.
