Airdrie’s agricultural roots will be celebrated Sept. 22, when the Airdrie and District Agricultural Society (ADAS) holds its annual Art of the Harvest event. The informational demo will show the public how farming in the region was done decades ago. According to ADAS President Bob Bilben, the yearly old-tyme seeding event showcases vintage farming equipment, which will be used to harvest grain planted in the spring. “We planted a crop in the spring, of barley, and we take the bundles off prior to the harvest date,” he said. “On the harvest date, we actually have a threshing machine – there are a few neighbours around who have some old equipment – and then, at that time, we thresh the bundles.” The old-tyme thresher, which belongs to the Jeffray family, originates from the 1930s. Art of the Harvest will also include an educational component on farm safety, Bilben said, as well as a giveaway for kids and a free beef-on-a-bun at noon for the first 300 attendees. There will also be a vegetable garden at the site. “We have some potatoes and different vegetables. On that day, we harvest the garden, as well,” Bilben said. “The public can come and, for a fee, pick a bag of mixed vegetables. We donate the money to the food bank.” Barring poor weather, Bilben said, he hopes to see a good turnout. He added Art of the Harvest has attracted more than 300 attendees in past years. “It all depends on the weather – if it’s a nice day, we’ll have lots of people come out,” he said. The timing of the event is important, he said, as it coincides with the beginning of the harvest. While it’s still early in the season, Bilben said it’s been a positive harvest so far for Airdrie and area farmers. “It’s been pretty good,” he said. “We’ve had a pretty good stretch of weather here. “There’s been quite a bit done in the community so far. [There’s] still lots to go, but it’s been a good start.” Art of the Harvest kicks off at 11 a.m. and lasts until 2 p.m. Sept. 22, at the Airdrie Ag Park, located three kilometres west of the city on Big Hills Springs Road and Range Road 14.
