Ag Expo 2000 Set For Oct 21-22

HARTFORD — The Fifth Annual Ag Expo will open on Saturday, October 21, at 11 am at the Armory in Hartford. This special weekend event is open to the public and highlights the diversity of Connecticut Agricultural businesses.

“Plenty to Do, Plenty to See, and Plenty to Eat” has become the by-line for Ag Expo and the fifth annual is shaping up to be the best ever. Sponsored by Connecticut Department of Agriculture (Saturday and Sunday, October 21 and 22), the event is located at the corner of Capitol Avenue and Broad Street.

Over 100 booths featuring educational exhibits, interactive displays, animals, food, and entertainment will celebrate Connecticut agriculture. The park-like Food Court designed especially for Ag Expo by Imperial Nursery, Granby, is surrounded by food and beverage booths with tables and chairs available to sit and relax.

Entertainment includes Farmin’ Fever, performing songs and skits (with audience participation – adults and children) about life on the farm. Also, The Magic of Christopher (unexplainable events and illusions so convincing that they leave you fascinated); Noodles the Clown, who will sculpt just about anything a child’s heart desires out of a balloon.

Costumed characters roam the hall, adding to the merriment. “Under the Tent,” an area set aside for special events (face and pumpkin painting and demonstrations), is always popular with young and old. For the Green Thumb crowd, UCONN’s testing lab will be set up for a FREE pH test (bring a half cup of soil).

Stop & Shop, A&P/Waldbaums, Adams, Big Y, and Shaws Supermarkets all will feature booths with games, pumpkin painting, and giveaways. Ag Expo is open Saturday, 11 am to 5 pm, and Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm, with free parking in the Legislative Office Building (adjacent to the Armory). For ticket information, call 860/713-2503, or to download a ticket facsimile, visit the Web site, www.state.ct.us.doag, and go to NEWS/EVENTS. Admission at the door is $3; children 12 and under are admitted free.