Celebrating Agriculture
Imel's Greenhouse Hosts Annual Farm to Table Event
Charles Romans
The Ashland Beacon
The Greenup County Farm to Table event returns this year on July 27. This popular event, which is the largest of its kind across the state, is geared toward educating people from around the area and beyond about the importance of bringing good wholesome-homegrown food to the table in a fun and entertaining setting. Kenny Imel, the owner of Imel’s Greenhouse in Greenup Kentucky, hosts the event at his greenhouse but said that the true credit for the success of the event goes to all the people who volunteer, the businesses who sponsor the event, and the community that turns out each year to support it.
“We started this to raise funds to support the kids and to promote the community,” Imel said. They have done just that, with the support of the community, businesses, and people involved and interested in agriculture throughout the state. The proceeds from the event each year are donated to the 4H, FFA, and the Historic McConnell House. Each group uses the funds for projects such as, in the case of the McConnell House, rebuilding the Scale House which used to be on the property and adding to the attraction of the historic home.
The 4H and FFA use their funds to support projects of their own and make it possible for some students to participate in these programs who would not have otherwise done so. These programs directly affect the students, and these same students can be seen working at the dinner helping with everything from directing parking, providing information, and generally helping with every part of the event. This interaction with the community has long reaching effects in the students’ lives.
Greenup County High School student Josie Mullins has been in FFA for three years, but she has been involved with 4H since she was nine years of age. “It’s been really fun being involved with Farm to Table and having the opportunity to bond with different people while you are working. You work with so many people getting baskets ready, selling tickets. setting up chairs and tables, and even watering the plants. It’s very fast-paced but it is one of our biggest events of the year and it is just amazing. All of us just bond together and feel such a sense of accomplishment once we are done.” explained Mullins.
The hard work the students invest each year yields dividends that go well beyond the funds they help raise. “Having the opportunity to be involved in this has really helped me to come out of my shell. It has also helped a lot with my people skills and my public speaking skills.” Mullins shared. She explained that the interaction with so many people has also helped her to become more open minded and avoid preconceived notions. She believes the skills she has learned will help her with her dual interests in education and real estate.
Greenup County Senior Shelby McCormick has been involved with FFA officially since her freshman year, but unofficially since she was much younger due to her older sister mentoring her while she was involved in the program. McCormick is a former Farm to Table Committee Chair, but this year she is focusing on helping however she can. “I have been involved in every Farm to Table event.” McCormick said. In true FFA form she has helped with everything from setup to clean up and has also spoken at the event on multiple occasions. “I hope we never stop having it because it is such a wonderful event,” declared McCormick.
“It is a tremendous way to bring the community together, and it really shows what a homegrown meal looks like. It also showcases local youth talent, and it will showcase it even more this year because the 4H and FFA students will be performing at Farm to Table. We will be doing everything from music to things for children, and a live auction,” noted McCormick.
McCormick shared that the FFA and the Farm to Table event has given her so many great benefits include meeting a wide range of people who have influenced her life, learning how different farmers do things on their farms, and learning what goes into this large event and how it touches so many people in the community. It has helped her with her public speaking and given her skills to introduce herself and to meet people.
“It has also grown my way of looking at the world,” McCormick said. Before she said she would for example simply eat a hamburger with no real thought of how it was produced; but knowing where her food source comes from and all the hard work that goes into it has changed her outlook on everything. The Farm to Table event can help bring that awareness to the community and beyond. It also gives the 4H and FFA students a chance to share what they have learned with everyone at the event.
McCormick plans to go to Morehead State University for four years following graduation, and then she hopes to attend Auburn and go to Veterinarian School. Once she achieves that milestone, she plans to return to Greenup County and provide something she says the area seriously needs — a large animal Veterinarian. “That’s my goal, to put a large animal Veterinarian back into the community,” Because we really need one in our area.” Admitted McCormick. She plans to set up and do farm calls, because there are many instances where it is far too challenging to transport a large sick or injured animal to the Veterinarian.
Our region, and the entire State of Kentucky, has a strong history that spans all parts of agriculture. But many Kentucky residents are unfortunately two or three generations removed from those agricultural roots. Programs such as 4H and FFA and events like Farm to Table offset that vocational distance by providing a renewed awareness of the process that feeds not only our state and country but the entire world.
Imel said there are a lot of things that come out of the event beyond the actual money raised. For example … there are connections that provide information, future business for producers, and as always, the awareness of the new and evolving opportunities in agriculture. “It goes well beyond just a good dinner and a four- or 5-hour event. We get to learn from each other and teach each other, but most importantly we get to help each other. And we get to help our kids.” noted Imel.
The Farm to Table event will include a vendor section for producers of homemade items, entertainment from the 4H and FFA students, and will be closed out with fireworks. This year’s menu is full of tantalizing homegrown delights such as … pulled pork, chicken, green beans, salad, cowboy beans (baked beans and meat), tomatoes, and homemade ice cream from the Tractor Club. There will also be a delicious cobbler and other baked goods offered.
Tickets can be purchased at Imel’s Greenhouse, the Greenup County Extension Office, or can be purchased at the Greenup County Farm to Table Facebook page for $36. Tickets are going fast, Imel said, so buying sooner is better than later. Sponsorships are still available beginning at $250 up to $4,000, with complimentary tickets included based on level of sponsorship. For more information, call Imel’s greenhouse at 606.831.1208.
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