Harlwood Farm Dispersal Sale

Harlwood Farm in Simpsonville, SC will be having a complete dispersal selling 38 AMHA/AMHR miniature horses including World and National champions and champion producers on September 4 at 11AM. Also selling equipment including show and farm tack, clippers, wagon, harness, feeders, waterers, corral panels, round pen, Sligo measuring stick and more. For information or directions, email Harlwood@mindspring.com

IT HAPPENED ON THE BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY

The Cherry Orchard Theatre presents a romantic comedy, IT HAPPENED ON THE BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY. Performace dates are August 28, 29, 30 and September 4, 5, 6 and 7. September 7th will be a special Labor Day presentation. All performances begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10. No reservations are required. Cherry Orchard Theatre, 163 Levering Lane, Ararat, VA. For information and reservations, call (276) 755-4837, (336) 786-4316, or (during business hours) (276) 755.3593

The Carolina Reptile & Exotic Animal Show

National breeders and manufacturers selling reptiles, birds and mammals along with cages, food and supplies, and live animal shows and seminars on animal breeding and care.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m on Saturday (September 4th) and Sunday (September 5th). General admission Ages 13 and over is $9; Senior citizens and Ages 5 - 12 admission $6, Ages 4 and under admitted free. Special two-day general admission $15.

Held in the Exposition Center on N.C. State Fairgrounds in Raleigh.

For more information, visit their website.

Hillsville Labor Day Flea Market and Gun Sale

This year Hillsville's Labor Day Flea Market and Gun Show will be held on Friday - September 3, 2010 through Monday - September 6, 2010 in Hillsville, Virginia. This event is sponsored by VFW Grover King Post 1115 and has achieved such popularity that it now consumes much of the entire town of Hillsville. Antique dealers, gun dealers and traders of all kinds make this one of the largest shows in the southeast. Hillsville expects to draw over 500,000 visitors this Labor Day weekend.

Pawpaw Festival 2010

On Saturday, September 4th, from 9:00 - 11:00 am at the Dixie Classic Fairgrounds Farmers Market, there will be a small pawpaw festival done jointly between Forsyth Cooperative Extension, Dixie Classic Fair, Master Gardener Volunteers and local growers. We will have several presentations about growing and using pawpaws, and lots of free food made with pawpaws for the public to taste. There will also be lots of information leaflets about pawpaw growing and nutrition. Registration requested: Contact Rachel Herring or Craig Mauney with the Forsyth Cooperative Extension office for more information on this lecture. Phone: 336-703-2850 or email rachel_herring@ncsu.edu or craig_mauney@ncsu.edu

Forsyth/Stokes Sheep and Goat Seminar

A Sheep/Goat Workshop will be held on Saturday, August 28 at 9AM at Mountainview Ranch in Walnut Cove, NC. Hands-on activities for hoof trimming, vaccinating, tagging and tattooing with eduction on selection. To RSVP for the event and for directions, call 336.703.2850 or 336.593.8179.

Equestrian Exchange Consignment Sale

Equestrian Exchange Consignment Sale offers the opportunity to buy and consign tack, saddles, barn supplies, rider attire - anything and everything related to the equestrian sport for all disciplines of riding. This sale encourages all equestrian services to become involved to help promote your needs in our equestrian community. For additional event details: http://www.equestrianexchange.com/ Held in the Holshouser Building at the N.C. State Fairgrounds in Raleigh Receiving date (drop off your items) is Wednesday 9/1 10 am - 9 pm; Pick-up unsold items Tuesday 9/7:10 am - 4pm (this is a no shopping day). Thursday 9/2 Volunteers Shop 10 am - 9 pm and Consignors shop 1 pm - 9 pm.; OPEN TO PUBLIC for Preview Sale 5-9 pm on Thursday and Friday thru Monday - Admission is FREE. HOURS are Thursday 9/2 Preview Sale 5-9 pm Friday thru Sunday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Monday - Sept. 7 from 10 am - 5 pm. 336-697-1097 equestriansale@aol.com

Stokes County Events

Please help spread the word. Hands of Hope Free Medical Clinic - Sat Aug 28- at the Danbury Community Church (red brick church) on Main Street between Old CourtHouse and VL DeHarts Office. 12:30-3pm. Free Medical care with dignity. They need patients. Call if you need a ride 336- 830-2578

Master Quilter Kelly Woods has created a masterpiece! A handmade, Best Friends, 60x60, Folk Art Quilt is being raffled to support the Humane Society! If you would like a chance to get tickets email the Stokes County Humane Society and they will tell you how to get them. Tickets are $1 per ticket and a book of 12 is $10. Thanks for your continued support!

Krankies Farmers Market

We will be at Krankies Farmers Market tomorrow (Tuesday) from 10 until 1.

New this week from Buffalo Gal's Goat's Milk Soap will be Lemongrass and Mint Soap.

Everyone come out and shop and support your local farmers. We're under the red tent!

Small Ruminant Medicine

A course sponsored by NC State University, Small Ruminant Medicine, will be held on Saturday, August 28, 2010. Sheep, goats, and camelids are a growing segment of animal agriculture in North Carolina, and are becoming more common patients of both large and small animal practices. This course will highlight diseases and treatment of both the individual companion small ruminant and those in production settings. Upon completion, participants will be familiar with common problems of small ruminants and treatment of these diseases including the legal ramifications of extra label drug use. Normal physiology, appropriate management, and common diseases of camelids will also be discussed. For information check their website.

Mount Airy Donkey Sale

A donkey sale will be held in Mt. Airy, NC at Veteran's Memorial Park at 691 W. Lebanon Street on August 20 and 21, 2010. New tack sells on Friday at 7PM. Used tack sells on Saturday at 9AM with donkeys selling at 11AM. For information, consignment or lodging, contact Ronnie or Janet Clifton. **2 Sales/Year - Always the 3rd Saturday in April and August **

Dog Days of Summer

Our neighbor, Fantasy Photography, is hosting Dog Days of Summer on August 15-22, 2010 This is the perfect time to get pictures of your pet!

The session fee is $35 - OR - a 20 pound bag of dog or cat food* for a 30 minute family session with your pet. If you bring an extra bag of food* to the session, you will receive a FREE 5x7 portrait of your furry friend.

Fantasy Photography 3622 NC 8 and 65 Highway Germanton, NC Call the studio at 336.575.7088 to schedule your session! *All donations will be given to local animal shelters

Pow Wow

RED HAWKS GATHERED NATIONS CITY OF KING POW WOW The Annual Native American Festival will be held August 20, 21, 22 at the American Legion Farigrounds in King. There will be native drumming, singing, educational programs, arts, crafts, shopping, food,drinks and more. Participants from over 30 different indigenous Nations, Bands and Tribes will be taking part in the gathering. For more information contact the Stokes County Arts Council at 336-593-8159 or send an email to cityofkingpowwow@yahoo.com American Legion Fairgrounds in King 436 South Main Street, King NC 27021

Almond Goat's Milk Soap

Announcing another new goat's milk soap from Buffalo Gal's!

Almond is a scented, rich and creamy soap with bits of raw almonds, almond oil and almond essential oil. This variety is currently only available at the farm, on the website or at Krankies Farmers Market.

Land of the Saura

Land of the Saura is the exclusive retail brand for Stokes Purple Products. These products include Stokes Purple Sweet Potato Butter and Land of the Saura Swirled Sweet Potato Pie!

They can be found at Whole Foods stores in North Carolina and surrounding states.

Camp Hanes

Since 1927, YMCA Camp Hanes has been creating summer camp memories that last a lifetime. They serve as a venue for child, youth and adult conferences and retreats year round and offer hands-on outdoor education program for students for all ages. The camp is located in King, NC at the base of Sauratown Mountain, thirty minutes north of Winston-Salem. YMCA Camp Hanes is a branch of the YMCA of Northwest North Carolina. They offer:

• Retreat and Conference Facilities for Churches, Corporate Clients, Civic/Non-profit Organizations, Universities
• Outdoor Education Programs for Public and Private Schools
• Week-Long Summer Camp Programs for Overnight Residential Campers and Day Campers
• Teambuilding Programs

Taste What's In Season

Stokes County in North Carolina has a long and vibrant agricultural heritage. From its earliest days of existence until the present, many of the people in the county have earned their living from the land. This is still true today. With a growing demand for food that is grown local, using sustainable practices, Stokes County farmers are providing more of what people want. From locally developed and patented purple sweet potatoes, to heirloom tomatoes, tasty vegetables, as well as fresh meat and dairy products, you can find it here. Join us to pick your own fruit or shop at a farmers market in the summer. In the fall, you can enjoy hayrides or a trip through the pumpkin patch. If it is good, it comes from Stokes County! Visit some of our farms: Hunter Farms Flippin Farms Smith and Son Farms Deep Creek Farms Mabe's Berry Farm Or, Stokes County Farmers Market.

Local Agricultural Fairs

Wanted to share the details of some of the local agricultural fairs... ALLEGHANY COUNTY AGRICULTURAL FAIR August 23-28, 2010 90 S. Main Street Sparta, NC 336-372-5597 alletrans@skybest.com AVERY COUNTY A&H FAIR Sept. 7-11, 2010 661 Old Vale Road Newland, N.C. 28657 828-387-6870 jerry_moody@ncsu.edu BETHWARE COMMUNITY FAIR August 3-7, 2010 115 Bethware Drive Kings Mountain, NC

828-310-6437 chuck.dover@ncfbins.com CABARRUS CO. AGRICULTURAL FAIR September 10-18, 2010 4759 Hwy 49 N. Concord, NC 28025 704-786-7221 crstorey@cabarruscounty.us http://www.cabarruscountyfair.com/ CALDWELL COUNTY AGRICULTURAL FAIR October 6-10, 2010 2460 Fairgrounds Street, Lenoir, NC 28645 828-728-7050 tfnhte@aol.com or cfair@bellsouth.net CAPE FEAR FAIR & EXPO October 28, November 6, 2010 Airport Blvd. Wilmington, NC 910-313-1234 Mobile: 910-233-2995

skipcorp@aol.com http://www.capefearfair.com/ CHATHAM COUNTY FAIR September 29-October 2, 2010 191 Martin Luther King Blvd. Pittsboro, NC

919-542-5511 anniet42@embarqmail.com CHOWAN CO. REGIONAL FAIR September 28-October 2, 2010 1317 W. Queen Street Edenton, NC

252-482-4057 chowancorfair@net-change.com http://www.chowanfair.com/ CLEVELAND COUNTY FAIR Sept. 30 - October 09, 2010 1751 East Marion Street Shelby, NC

704-487-0651 ccfair@bellsouth.net http://www.clevelandcountyfair.com/ COASTAL CAROLINA AG FAIR

October 14-24, 2010 3700 Hwy. 70 E New Bern, NC 28564 252-636-0303 kuwatun50@aol.com http://www.coastalcarolinagfair.com/ CUMBERLAND CO. FAIR September 16-26, 2010 1960 Coliseum Drive Fayetteville, NC 28306 910-309-5785 hbullard@sc.rr.com http://www.cumberlandcountyfair.org/ DAVIDSON CO. AGRICULTURAL FAIR September 20-25, 2010 400 Greensboro Street Ext. Lexington, NC

336-243-2528 vinnonwilliams@realtor.com http://www.davidsoncountyagfair.com/ DREXEL COMMUNITY FAIR August 17-21, 2010 702 Park Avenue Drexel, NC

828-438-3933 toolman43@live.com http://www.drexel.com/ HAYWOOD COUNTY FAIR August 25-30 Waynesville, NC 828-456-3575 erin_freeman@ncsu.edu HICKORY AMERICAN LEGION FAIR September 1-6, 2010 Hwy. 70, Conover Blvd. Newton, NC 828-464-5433 hickoryfair@bellsouth.net http://www.hickoryamericanlegionfair.com/

IREDELL CO. AGRICULTURAL FAIR September 6-11, 2010 630 N. Main St.,

Troutman, NC 28166 shead@sandwgroup.com

http://www.iredellcountyfairgrounds.com/ LEE REGIONAL AGRICULTURAL FAIR September 14-19, 2010 505 N. 7th Street Sanford, NC 27330 919-775-3828 rturner@sandhillscontractors.com http://www.sanfordlionsclub.com/ LENOIR COUNTY FAIR September 20-29, 2010 401 Fairground Road Kinston, NC

888-522-2966 lenoircountyfair@gmail.com http://www.lenoircountyfair.org/ MOORE CO. AGRICULTURAL FAIR Aug. 31 – Sept. 4, 2010 3699 US 15-501 Hwy. Carthage, NC 28326 910-947-2774 hoss43@juno.com http://www.moorecountyfair.org/ N.C. STATE FAIR October 14-24, 2010 1025 Blue Ridge Road Raleigh, NC 27607 919-821-7400 wesley.wyatt@ncagr.gov http://www.ncstatefair.org/ ONSLOW CO. AGRICULTURAL FAIR October 4-9, 2010 140 Broadhurst Road Jacksonville, NC

910-330-0723

PITT CO. AMERICAN LEGION AGRICULTURAL FAIR October 4-9, 2009 3910 Martin Luther King Jr. Hwy. Greenville, NC 27834 252-758-6916 kpross@embarqmail.com RICHMOND COUNTY AGRICULTURAL COUNTY Sept. 21-25, 2010 158 Lewis Breeden Blvd. Hamlet, NC 28345 910-206-0550 ROBESON REGIONAL AGRICULTURAL FAIR Sept. 30-Oct. 9, 2010 3788 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive (Hwy. 41S) Lumberton, NC 28358 910-738-2126 allensautomart@aol.com http://www.robesoncountyfair.com/ ROWAN CO. AGRICULTURAL & INDUSTRIAL FAIR September 20-25, 2010 1560 Julian Road

Salisbury, NC 28146 704-633-5632 lovesautorepair@yahoo.com

http://www.rowancountyfair.net/ STANLY AMERICAN LEGION POST #76 AG. FAIR September 2-6, 2010 24302 US Hwy. 52 S. Albemarle, NC

704-983-2913 wbowers2@carolina.rr.com SURRY COUNTY AGRICULTURAL FAIR September 28-October 2, 2010 691 W. Lebanon Street Mt. Airy, NC 27030 336-786-2236 STOKES COUNTY AG FAIR September 13-18, 2010 446 South Main Street King, NC 27021 336-983-3608 lynnshouse@yahoo.com WARREN COUNTY FAIR Sept. 14-18, 2010 429 Ridgeway St. Warrenton, NC

252-257-1580 garyatv@aol.com WAYNE REGIONAL AGRICULTURAL FAIR Sept. 30-Oct. 9, 2010 2801 US 117 South,

Dudley, NC 28333 919:735-7277 wclda1@bellsouth.net http://www.waynefair.com/ WILKES COUNTY AGRICULTURAL FAIR October 12-16, 2010 D Street/Business 421 North Wilkesboro, NC

336-902-7052 mst4976319@hotmail.com http://www.wilkesfair.org/ WILSON COUNTY AMERICAN LEGION FAIR September 21-26, 2010 2331 US Hwy 301 South Wilson, NC

252-237-8443 dave@wilsoncountyfair.org

http://www.wilsoncountyfair.org/

NC State Fair

Tickets for the 2010 North Carolina State Fair went on sale Monday on the fair’s website Concerts announced so far include: Danny Gokey, Casting Crowns, Honor Society, Carolina Chocolate Drops, Chris Young, Tuesday, Gloriana, Jeffrey Osborne, and Chris Tomlin. These tickets are also on sale now.

NC Market Ready Toolkit

The NC Market Ready "toolkit" is a helpful resource for farms. Each toolkit topic includes a two page overview and a powerpoint presentation that can be downloaded. On-line references at the end of each overview direct readers to more in-depth information. Topics included: Checklist for Starting a Value-Added Agriculture Enterprise Understanding the Entrepreneurial Mindset Conducting a SWOT Analysis Choosing a Business Structure Farm Record Keeping Creating a Budget Basics of Farm Employment Time and Goal Management Developing a Business Plan Insurance Basics New Business Regulatory Starter Checklist Marketing Basics Marketing Research Identifying Your Customer Promotional Planning How to Start an E-Commerce Web Site Marketing Strategies for Your Web Site Tips for Designing Your Web Site

"Little Farmer" Goat's Milk Soap

Announcing a new Buffalo Gal's goat's milk soap!

"Little Farmer" is delicate soap and is scented with baby powder fragrance oil.

It is available on our website and at the farm.

National Goat Cheese Month

August 1 - 31 is National Goat Cheese Month! The history of the production of goat cheese goes back beyond the time of the ancient Greeks to when the goat was first domesticated about 5000 BC. The cheese has always enjoyed a strong popularity and spread from the Mediterranean to Eastern Europe, Africa, South West Asia and India. The first settlers in America included goats in their inventory of dairy animals and the dairy goat has always been a presence on the typical American farm. During the last decade there has been an enormous increase in consumer interest for domestic goat cheeses. The number of domestic goat cheese producers has increased dramatically and there are currently over 50 such producers in the United States. Thus, there is today, an extraordinary array of American Goat Cheeses. A cheese tray worthy of the name cannot in fact, be truly complete without a typical American made goat cheese, be it spiced or plain, subtle or fresh, resting next to its peers made from cows milk. The variety and shapes and qualities of goat cheeses is matched only by the diversity of the American regions of their origin. Be it the hills of New England or upstate New York; the countryside of the Virginias or Carolinas; the Mid-West or Upper Mid-West; from the Texas plains to the Rockies and on to the coastal valleys of the West Coast; each cheese reflects the individual terrain and local traditions of the area of its production. In keeping with National Goat Cheese Month, dairy goat breeders strive to make the circle complete by bringing the milk producer together with the end user of the product and connect every step in between. What is more basic than food, and what food is more basic than goat milk and its hundreds of products. Try some goat cheese today!