A new tradition is taking root in Daviess County. For the first time ever, the county is hosting Family & Farm Ag Day, a free, family-friendly celebration of agriculture, education, and rural heritage.
Set for Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the event will take place at Panther Creek Park South — a newly emphasized entrance located just past the main gate on Wayne Bridge Road.
“This is our first year ever hosting the event, and we were looking for the right time of year to do something that recognizes the heritage of farms and families,” said Ross Leigh, Daviess County Recreation Director. “Late July is perfect — it’s after planting, before harvest, and a time when many farm families can actually attend.”
Ag Day aims to bring the community closer to the roots of its food and traditions through hands-on experiences, educational booths, and interactive fun. Local organizations and agencies will be stationed throughout the park offering information and demonstrations. These include the Daviess County Public Library, the University of Kentucky Extension Office, local beekeepers, and the Soil and Water Conservation District.
“There’s a lot of disconnect between families and farmers nowadays,” Leigh said. “This is a chance for people who may not know a farmer personally to come out and learn where their meals really come from.”
One of the highlights will be a mix of antique and modern farming equipment. Local farmers are bringing vintage tractors alongside modern machinery from HR Agripower and Scott Kuegel’s farm, giving attendees a full-spectrum view of farming past and present.
Kids will be especially entertained by the Barnyard Olympics, hosted by local FFA chapters, along with free inflatables and a petting zoo featuring rabbits, chickens, llamas, and more. One of the most unique attractions is Southland Dairy’s Jersey Calf Education Mobile Unit.
“It’s a truck and trailer setup that shows how a cow is milked,” Leigh said. “A lot of kids may have never seen that happen in real life.”
In addition to the agricultural fun, the event will offer free health screenings through the Raising Hope initiative, a partnership between the Kentucky Department of Agriculture and Owensboro Health focused on supporting the wellness of rural families.
“This is about healthy families and healthy farms,” Leigh said. “We want to strengthen both.”
Dale Dobson with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture is expected to unveil the state’s new health trailer with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Kentucky’s Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell, State Rep. Suzanne Miles, and other elected officials are also slated to attend.
Food and treats will be available for purchase, including ice cream from Bowling Green-based Chaney’s Dairy Barn.
“Anybody that’s never had Chaney’s before — it’s some of the best stuff on Earth,” Leigh said. “They raise the cattle, milk the cows, and make the ice cream themselves.”
With education, entertainment, and community all in one place, Leigh hopes the event grows into an annual tradition.
“We’ve put together something that’s fun, interactive, and meaningful,” he said. “It’s a day for everyone to learn, connect, and just enjoy what agriculture really means in our lives.”
