To the 65th annual Junior Livestock Show held last week at the Iroquois Farm Showgrounds in Cooperstown.
The three-day event, sponsored by The Farmers' Museum and conducted in cooperation with Cornell Cooperative Extension, drew nearly 300 youth exhibitors and 600 animals from nine counties.
"The Junior Livestock Show is where the ideals of 4-H are put into practice and you can see the future of farming," Vice President for Education Garet Livermore said in a media release before the event.
Many of the youths involved in the show may not become farmers, but the show is an important educational tool.
Farming has held an important role in our area for generations. The number of farms has been on the decline, but it is important to acknowledge the significance agriculture has on our area.
To Catskills Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training for also helping keep the farming tradition of our area alive.
Catskills CRAFT is an educational networking group for beginning farmers. The group hosts events at local farms about once per month. Farm interns, employees and operators of recently established or transitioning farm enterprises are welcome to attend.
The concept of established farmers helping new ones is wonderful. We're glad to see the region have such a resource.
To Fourth of July celebrations across the area.
Fireworks, parades and festivals drew thousands to local events to mark the 236th anniversary of our country's birth.
Some events featured activities that would have taken place two centuries ago and others were modern festivals with music and fireworks.
No matter the celebration, it's good to see people out and about to celebrate the Fourth.
To Cooperstown/Northern Otsego County Relay For Life for setting a fundraising record this year.
According to event Chairwoman Carla Eckler, more than $108,000 had been raised as of the end of June. Eckler said that is the most raised in the 14-year history of the cancer fundraiser. Donations are still coming in, as the deadline is not until Aug. 31.
We congratulate the organizers, participants and donors on a job well done.
To Country Express on being honored by the Children's Miracle Network for its participation in a fundraiser at the Janet Weis Children's Hospital in Equinunk, Pa.
The Andes-based band was the headlining act at the hospital's 17th annual Country Jamboree, which raised more than $3,200 for specialized pediatric services at the hospital and summer camp programs.
The band has been performing for 15 years, including a performance at the New York State Fair last year.
We applaud the band on its longevity and its service to charity.
