Ag Bash is a Smash!

Aug. 13 was a smash of a day for the Loretto Community and neighbors because of the Back to School Ag(ricultural) Bash I organized with logistical help from farm staff. We held it near Mary’s Lake on the Loretto Motherhouse property. It had taken months to organize and required many logistical arrangements. It all paid off handsomely.

There were 600 participants! As Susan Classen said, “It was an excellent opportunity to communicate a vision of the Motherhouse, as many groups worked together for its success.” She further pointed out, “Even though it was a farm event, there was participation by our Heritage Center, tours of the Motherhouse property, land education, local businesses, as well as other related groups.”

Many community partners contributed to the day. Marion County High School Beta and Future Farms of America clubs handed out free snow cones and provided part of the petting zoo, Marion County 4H Livestock Club worked the tattoo station and Peterson Farms provided grain for playing and brought large farm equipment. Many local organizations and businesses sponsored the day financially. It was a gorgeous Kentucky day, and families took advantage of the sunshine to have an outing — some planned long in advance and some, no doubt, planned at spur of the moment.