Bringing the farm to town: Ag and fun emphasized at Quincy’s Farmer Consumer Awareness Day

QUINCY — The commemoration of Quincy’s past and future contributions to agriculture brought contemporary and antique farm machinery, dancing horses, pulling tractors and classic cars to town – and those were only some of the attractions at Farmer Consumer Awareness Day Saturday.

Farm machinery filled Central Avenue North – literally and figuratively – during the annual FCAD parade, followed by a long line of classic and contemporary cars and a herd of dancing horses. The Quincy High School band showed off their brand-new uniforms; most of the Quincy School District’s elementary schools had a contingent of students, parents and teachers in the parade.

The Toves family, owners of T&T Orchards and White Trail Produce, were named the Farm Family of the Year by FCAD organizers. Longtime FCAD volunteer Debbie Ramsey was the Honorary Farmer of the Year. The award is given to people who have shown a commitment to the community and FCAD.

The parade route winds through town to end at Quincy Middle School. Most events are held in the QMS gym and in the playfields out back, including the annual car show, the dancing horses exhibition, a three-on-three soccer tournament and a tractor-pulling contest.

The QHS Future Farmers of America chapter traditionally sets up its produce sale in the front parking lot.

“We’re selling some fruits and vegetables out here,” explained FFA member Aiden Iniguez.

“Locally grown,” said fellow FFA member Ferenando Balderaz.

Kacey Kehn, a member of the FFA’s booster club, said the sale raises money for FFA activities, but it’s also designed to show consumers some of the realities of agriculture.

“We attempt to sell near farm market prices,” he said. “This is what farmers make, versus what you pay at the store.”

Kehn said the FFA expected to sell about 14,000 pounds of apples, potatoes, onions, corn, green peppers and tomatoes. The sale typically generates about $3,000 for the chapter, he said.

The annual car show drew 38 entries, said Keri Mathews, Quincy Chamber of Commerce president and one of the organizers. The show was sponsored by the Lavender Boutique.

The Chamber took over the car show about three years ago, Mathews said.

“Every year it seems to be getting bigger and bigger,” she said.

Joel and Rhonda Frank brought their 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air and 1960 Chevrolet Corvette from Wenatchee.

They both just like classic cars, Joel Frank said – in fact, the Corvette was a Christmas present for Rhonda Frank.

“It’s a head-turner,” she said.

It’s not their only ‘Vette. They’ve been known to race the two, she said, but Joel Frank’s Corvette is a couple years newer so he usually wins.

The annual tractor pull pits tractors against a sled, which adds weight as the tractor rolls down the track. It’s a longtime FCAD tradition. By contrast the soccer tournament is in its second year, attracting children and adults.

The annual quilt show drew 80 entrants for 2023, said organizer Mandy Ottley. Quilters come in all ages, including an entrant who is 92 years of age and still quilting.

“There’s some really, really good work in here,” Ottley said.

Cheryl Schweizer may be reached via email at cschweizer@columbiabasinherald.com.