VALDOSTA —
The annual Ham and Egg Show is this week at the Lowndes County Civic Center. The longest-running show of its kind in the nation, the event is more of an educational one. Contestants cure hams the old-fashioned way, before refrigeration was the norm, and Dr. Glenwood Hill, a retired professor, comes each year to sniff, pinch, poke and prod each ham to determine if it’s fresh, if it’s cured well, if the seasonings were applied properly, etc. Once he grades the hams, they are judged and a grand champion is declared, along with a number of other awards.
The egg portion of the contest includes candling the eggs to determine if they are fresh and to examine the quality of the shell, etc., and awards are presented in this category as well.
The day of the auction brings together representatives from area businesses who bid very large sums on the hams and eggs as a perk to those who spent their time raising and producing them.
Founded as a means of encouraging safe farming practices among small farms, and generally among black farmers in the area, it’s expanded in recent years to include 4-H students who are learning the old traditions and applying them.
Sponsored each year by the Lowndes Extension Office, these agents have encouraged and assisted farmers in the region for many years.
This event isn’t the most exciting, or the most glamorous, or even really a spectator event, but it is an important aspect of the region’s culture, history and relationship with the agriculture industry. Some feared it would end with the passing of a number of farmers who had participated for decades, but the renewed interest it’s seen in recent years has helped revive it and encourage those who participate.
I believe it’s in its 62nd year this year. What a testament to those who have persevered to preserve tradition.
Business Roundup
The new Liquor Barn on North Valdosta Road next to Rum Runners has all the signage up but they don’t look open yet. The sign says they will offer fine wine, spirits and cigars.
Georgia Carpet Outlet next to Atlanta Bread Company is now called Floors 4-Less. The signage is still up from GCO so don’t let that confuse you.
The new Rockin’ Robin Children’s Boutique just opened in the Summit Pointe plaza off Inner Perimeter Road for those looking for children’s clothing.
If you’re looking for women’s clothing, the new Vixen Boutique is now open on Baytree Road in front of the movie theatres.
The new Fred’s on Bemiss Road is moving along very quickly. I believe they are aiming for an April opening.
The new Southwest Bank on Baytree is nearly finished and should be opening soon.
The new Zaxby’s on St. Augustine and on Lakes Boulevard are both nearly finished on the outside. The new design is lovely and should be a great asset to both areas. They can’t open quick enough to help relieve some of the traffic at the location on Inner Perimeter, where the line for the drive-through typically surrounds the whole building. Hopefully, the rebuilding of the one on Baytree isn’t too far away, too.
If you haven’t noticed on Patterson Street, SGMC’s new parking deck is so close to the road you can almost touch it. Talk about smart utilization of available space. It’s been an impressive structure to watch being built, and there’s certainly much more to come for the hospital.
Right across the street from there, the newly revived 2320 Professional Park is being marketed. The lots range from $337,500 to $1.4 million, but honestly don’t know if that includes a building or just the land.
There’s always more under development in Valdosta, which is a good thing, and as I find out details, I’ll share.
That’s it for this week, but if there’s something I missed, please let me know!
For more on this story and other local news, subscribe to The Valdosta Daily Times e-Edition, or our print edition.
