Pine Plains embraces all things ag at fall fest

PINE PLAINS — Among some of its treasured fall traditions, the local community set out for Stissing Mountain Junior/Senior High School on Friday, Oct. 11, and Saturday, Oct. 12, for the Pine Plains FFA’s annual Fall Agricultural Festival.

After a day of livestock conformation classes, dairy shows and showmanship and student exhibits, the first day of the festival ended with the annual Roast Beef Dinner at 5 p.m. in the Stissing Mountain cafeteria, where 200 pounds of roast beef served 265 attendees.

Around 9:30 a.m. on Saturday morning, local residents walked hand in hand with their children to the junior/senior high school entrance where they waited in anticipation of the traditional festival parade. Meanwhile, new and vintage tractors from local farms were parked on the front lawn of the school to admire. From the Pine Plains High School Band and Cub Scout Pack 45 to a trio of Dutchess County personnel and a colorful troupe of volunteer performers, the parade featured a cast of characters who marched in the direction of the Ag Festival.

No matter where they wandered, festival-goers were guaranteed to find something worth exploring, whether they admired the flora featured in the Garden Club Flower Show, witnessed the antique tractor pull or bit into the Hose Company’s chicken barbecue. Gathering by the flagpole in front of the school building, residents paid their respects as FFA officers conducted their annual flag-raising ceremonies.

The majority of Ag Festival festivities were held beside the school. Visitors were drawn into the world of the Pine Plains FFA. In their navy blue uniforms, FFA members made sure everything was running smoothly while other students set up tables and enticed visitors with chili, candy, baked goods and more to raise money for their graduating classes. Local organizations also set up booths.

Visitors watched as young students tended to their cows. Whether they were shoveling manure, keeping their surroundings clean or lying beside their bovine buddies in the hay, they handled the responsibilities with ease and made sure the cows were comfortable.

“It’s fun because we get to show cows and have fun with friends,” said student Grace Wolfmann as she cuddled up with her cow, Alana.

In the barn next door, one side of the barn displayed cages of rabbits, chickens, sheep and goats while a pig demonstration was underway on the other side. Out in the fields, young riders tested their equine abilities during a horse showmanship event.