The next “Movies Under the Stars” event set for Friday at Liberty Park will feature a farm theme that will include a hands-on family fun experience and a discussion of farming issues, especially as they pertain to food.
Activities and games that are part of “Family Farm Fun Night at the Park” will begin at 7 p.m. Friday at the Liberty Park Amphitheatre on Diamond Drive, located behind the YMCA.
Sponsored by the city of Hillsboro and the Highland County Farm Bureau, the event will feature interactive farm activities and games for children, including a farm animal display, farm equipment and machinery displays, and games such as “Minute 2 Win It” and cornhole.
At 9 p.m., the film “Farmland” will be shown. The film “takes an intimate look at the lives of several farmers and ranchers, all in their 20s, and all responsible for running their own agriculture businesses,” according to promotional materials.
At 10:30 p.m., an interactive discussion will be held with a panel featuring:
• Brandon Fullenkamp, local pork producer.
• Dustin Cochran, local dairy farmer.
• Andy Cooper, local farmer.
• Mark Jolly, local dairy farmer,
• Adam Vance, local grain farmer.
David Bushelman, a Farm Bureau trustee, said the organization approached the city about showing “Farmland” as part of its movie series, and developing other events during the evening to highlight farming issues.
“We’re trying to educate people about where their food comes from,” he said.
The event will feature free popcorn and ice cream sandwiches. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets.
Friday’s special farm-themed activities are sponsored by Highland County Farm Bureau, City of Hillsboro, National Insurance (Newman Insurance Agency & Judy Wilson-Parks Insurance), Five Points Implement Company Inc., Tim Sheeley & Family, Lynchburg-Clay FFA, Paint Creek Joint EMS/Fire District and Buckeye Country 105.5.
The movie series is sponsored by Preferred Midwest Title and Susan L. Davis, Attorney, First State Bank, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Star Cinemas.
Reach Gary Abernathy at 937-393-3456 or on Twitter @abernathygary.
