By Susan Shinn
Salisbury Post
CHINA GROVE ó The torch is being passed ó and an important new sponsor added ó as a new generation assumes leadership for the biggest annual event in China Grove: Farmers Day.
“Officially, yes, we’re ready,” says Lee Withers, chairman of the Farmers Day committee. “I love this great little town and I love promoting it.”
The 26th annual Farmers Day kicks off at 9 a.m. Saturday in downtown China Grove, with more than 35,000 visitors expected.
“We were afraid when Janice Jenkins announced her retirement that it would fold,” says former mayor Jim Morton. “We’re proud of Lee for stepping up and taking charge. He’s always been a go-getter.”
“It’s definitely on,” says Withers, 30. “It’s definitely continuing. We’ve got a lot of neat, new vendors.”
And a new sponsor.
Castle and Cooke and Dole Foods are joining the town of China Grove as event sponsors.
In southern Rowan, Withers says, there’s been a lot of apprehension about the N.C. Research Campus.
That’s why the new sponsors wanted to get involved with Farmers Day.
“Obviously, it was a great avenue to go for them. They are heavily involved in the community,” Withers says. “They have an interest in South Rowan, not just Kannapolis. This will give them positive visibility.”
The new sponsors have given thousands of dollars to be a part of Farmers Day, Withers says.
They’ll be part of an exhibit set up near Goodman’s Farm Supply.
A 20-foot by 60-foot tent will house information booths by Dole Foods, The N.C. Research Campus, Castle and Cooke, the N.C. Research Station and the N.C. Cooperative Extension Service. The FFAs from South Rowan, West Rowan and Carson high schools will be selling produce.
Other new activities scheduled include pony rides, chinaberry trees for sale and an expanded area of kids’ inflatables.
The Fantastic Shakers perform from 2 to 4 p.m. Center Stage Dance Company will present their national championship routines at 6 p.m., and the Tams perform at 8 p.m.
Fireworks will again light up the night sky this year.
Withers has many kudos to give out, to the China Grove Board of Trade, for giving him the opportunity to head up Farmers Day, and to his hardworking committee: Jim Morton, Dale Keiger, Bob Fallis, Megan Withers, Sandy Overcash, David Ketner, Eric Davis and Amanda Eller. He also thanked Chief Hodge Coffield and Chief Jeff Gledhill of the police and fire departments for their assistance with the event.
Withers is a territory manager for Smith Turf and Irrigation based in Charlotte, and has a flexible schedule.
Good thing.
“I didn’t truly visualize the amount of hours it takes to put something like this together,” Withers says. “But it’s exciting. We’re excited for next year.
“We’re already planning for 2008 and we’re actively looking for sponsors.”
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For more information about Farmers Day, contact Lee Withers at 704-855-4684 or farmersdaychairman@carolina.rr.com.
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Contact Susan Shinn at 704-797-4289 or sshinn@salisburypost.com.