Has it really been six months since our last blog post? Sorry about that, faithful readers! I recently sat down with Education Director Dana Peters to get a behind-the-scenes look at Harvest Hey Days and Cane Grinding Day. Both of these programs take place in October and are open to preregistered school groups only. The good news is, there are still openings for both programs.LMP: Dana, can you give us an overview of Harvest Hey Days?
DP: Harvest Hey Days takes place from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on October 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, and 19. This program is full of harvest fun. Students can visit the pumpkin patch and select their very own pumpkin, participate in corn pulling and shelling, learn about peanut picking and growing, pick cotton and take a wagon ride. We also have a couple of new activities this year. Kernels of Fun is a huge 16'x8' box full of shelled corn where kids can play. We will also bring some of our heritage breeds of animals out so kids can meet them.
LMP: What do you think the kids enjoy the most about Harvest Hey Days?
DP: Definitely the pumpkin patch. Here in the Wiregrass, pumpkins are not as familiar to kids as corn, cotton and peanuts. The students have a chance to see how pumpkins are grown and then they really take their time selecting the pumpkin that is just perfect for them.
LMP: Why is it important for students to visit places like Landmark Park and participate in Harvest Hey Days?DP: Agriculture is so important in our area, and if a student doesn't live on a farm or know someone who lives on a farm, he or she may have no idea where we get products like cotton, peanuts and corn. We tell the story of the harvest, both the way it happens today and how it happened in the 1890s.
LMP: Are there still spaces available?
DP: Yes! This program is intended for preschool ages to about 6th grade, but we can tailor it to your needs. Harvest Hey Days also meets several state standards in Science for Alabama, Florida and Georgia. That information can be found on our website at www.landmarkpark.com. If you would like to register your class, you can give me a call at 334-794-3452 or email dpeters@landmarkpark.com
LMP: Now tell us about Cane Grinding Day. How is it different from Harvest Hey Days?
DP: Cane Grinding Day is more history-oriented, where Harvest Hey Days is more science-oriented. Cane Grinding Day takes place the day before Wiregrass Heritage Festival (Oct. 26, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.) opens to the public. It gives kids a chance to hear the presentations and see the demonstrations done in a way that is especially for them.
LMP: What type of activities take place at Cane Grinding Day?
DP: The two favorites are the cane grinding and blacksmithing. Some of the students who come to Landmark Park don't realize we grow sugar cane right here on the farm. Kids get a chance to see the process from start to finish, and even get to taste the syrup that is made from the sugar cane. Blacksmithing is a huge hit, and we have a quilting demonstration, household chores and more peanut harvesting activities.LMP: Is Cane Grinding Day limited to a certain age group?
DP: No, like many of our programs, we can tailor the program to fit your needs. I would like to see more high school students take advantage of this program. Our demonstrators know more than they have time to tell.
LMP: Are there still spaces available for Cane Grinding Day?
DP: Yes! Cane Grinding Day meets several state standards in History for Alabama, Florida and Georgia. That information can be found on our website at www.landmarkpark.com. If you would like to register your class, you can give me a call at 334-794-3452 or email dpeters@landmarkpark.com
LMP: Why should teachers choose Landmark Park for their field trips?DP: Landmark park is the perfect destination because it's the best of both worlds. Students have a lot of fun while meeting state standards for education. Getting to see the demonstrations and participate in hands-on activities makes the students gain greater respect for what their ancestors went through, especially in this area. Our programs are both fun and educational!
