Buford Farmers Institute to be held. Feb. 26

It's that time of year in February when people are looking for something to do to pass the winter months and avoid all the snow we are having. Come on out to the friendly town of Buford. Some of you may ask where Buford is and what the Farmers Institute is. The Buford Farmers Institute originated in 1904. For many years, the farmers and their families would gather at the annual event. They would share ideas and present updated materials on rural farming. Back in those years the institute would last two or three days.

Over the years, such institutes in Ohio have faded out. At one time, there were over 300 institutes in Ohio. Only six known institutes still exist in Ohio. Buford's institute is the only one in the southern part of the state and is the longest consecutive running yearly event in Highland County. It continues to operate thanks to the friendly people around the area who volunteer.

The institute is held on the last Friday in February at the old Buford School, now known as the Clay Township Park Building. The evening's events begin at 7 p.m. in the gym. Families will bring their baked goods, homemade items, produce, etc. The categories will be judged. First second, and third places are given, and each winner will receive a small cash reward. Today, we have 100 categories. All baked goods and produce will be auctioned off at the end of the evening, with proceeds going to the institute for the following year.

The 106th Buford Farmers Institute will be held this year on Feb. 26 at 7 p.m. Dinner will be served by the Clay Township park from 4-6 p.m. The menu consists of homemade chicken and noodles and sandwiches. This year's dinner location has been changed to the gymnasium instead of the cafeteria. So bring your quilts, crocheting, needlework, arts and crafts, etc. Get your measuring cups, flour, and old family recipe books out, and enter your special items to be judged. While you're baking, spend some time with your children and let them enter the children categories.

All baked goods, produce, and other categories need to be brought to the Clay Township Building between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Helpers will be there to sign your items in. Judging will take place in the closing of the gym from 1-3 p.m. The institute will start at 7 p.m. There will be great entertainment: the Noreen's Dance School, located out of Hillsboro, and the Pricetown Quartet. Many door prizes and raffle prizes will be given away. At the end of the evening, the auction will begin, along with more door prizes to be given away.

Come on out and join us in the fun. Anyone who has questions about the institute or who would like to donate money or a door prize should call Lynette Knisley at 937-446-4145 or Dianne Mock at 937-442-5675. They are also looking for volunteers to come and help for gathering door prizes and helping out during the day. If interested, please see an officer during the event. Thank you for your support and help to make this a great day.