Discovery Park of America Celebrates Ag Day 2022
Union City, Tenn.— Although it was a rainy day that required many of the activities to move indoors, a crowd of more than 1,200 attended Discovery Park’s celebration of National Ag Day 2022 that took place at the museum and heritage park on Tuesday, March 22, 2022. Among those in attendance were 13 student groups from throughout the region who received free admission thanks to the Kirkland Scholarship Fund. Students from all K-12 schools with 50% of the students qualifying for free or reduced lunches qualify for scholarships that pay for 100% of the ticket price to visit Discovery Park.
During the event, representatives from Discovery Park and Farm Credit Mid-America marked the beginning of construction of the Farm Credit Mid-America Education Pavilion and greenhouses that will open at Discovery Park later in the year.
During opening remarks, Scott Williams, Discovery Park’s president and CEO, shared that Discovery Park’s board and leadership felt a greenhouse was an obvious addition to the park. “With our 50 acres of landscaped grounds, our European, American and Japanese gardens and our new exhibit, “AgriCulture: Innovating for Our Survival,” a greenhouse just makes sense,” he said. “In the coming years, our talented grounds crew and education team will be hosting many classes and events at the Farm Credit Mid-America Education Pavilion and greenhouses. This will also give our guests an opportunity to observe the work being done by our grounds crew.”
After additional remarks from Tim Williams, senior vice president of ag lending for Farm Credit Mid-America, Scott Williams introduced nine students who have excelled in agriculture in various ag-related clubs and organizations. After a countdown from those in attendance, the students planted wildflowers in flower pots that were on the stage.
Also at the event was Haley Wheeler, Miss Kentucky 2022, who assisted in agriculture safety protocol demonstrations. Wheeler serves as the official spokesperson for the Kentucky Proud initiative.
For a complete list of all companies and organizations that participated in National Ag Day 2022 at Discovery Park of America, visit Discoveryparkofamerica.com/blog.
Organizations and individuals may give a gift to support the building of the greenhouses, and donations may be made in memory or honor of a friend or loved one. Those who give a gift of $100 or more will be included on the sponsorship wall as a “Green Thumb” supporter. Those interested in supporting Discovery Park’s greenhouse project can make a gift on Discovery Park’s website or by contacting Mary Nita Bondurant at mbondurant@discoveryparkofamerica.com.
Educators interested in more information about planning a group visit or accessing funds from the scholarship should email education@discoveryparkofameriva.com or call Sheridan at 731-599-1132.
###
Photo Caption: Students from various schools helping mark the beginning of construction of The Farm Credit Mid-America Education Pavilion and greenhouses. Back row, l to r: Tim Williams, senior vice president of ag lending for Farm-Credit Mid-America, Wyatt Cunningham, Kendall Crabtree, Taylor Cantrell, Scott Williams, CEO and president for Discovery Park of America, Remi Gardner, Cassie Lewis, Haley Wheeler, Miss Kentucky, Jason Matthews, Caleb McClure, Autumn Smith and Andrew Melton, regional vice president for Farm Credit Mid-America. Front row: Suni Ray Wright.
Photo Caption: Suni Ray Wright from Union City Elementary enjoying the farm animals brought to Ag Day by Hooker Farms.
Photo Caption: Representatives from Nutrien Ag Solutions, Tyler Hopper and Misha Sams, speaking with students at Discovery Park for Ag Day 2022.
