Where in Valdosta can you handle live butterflies, play Spanish bingo and learn to save lives all in an afternoon? Nearly 5,000 people did just that Saturday at HarvestEd, a community-wide event hosted by Valdosta Technical College to provide fun and education for the entire family while showcasing their many programs.
“It’s tremendous to see so many young people in our community come out to participate in the hands-on programs we offer; that’s what’s really important.” said Tina Anderson, interim president of Valdosta Technical College. “Taxpayers have the opportunity to see their programs and buildings that they paid for, it’s all theirs, all for them.”
While the Val Tech classrooms were packed with people learning about everything from cosmetology and computers to auto-mechanics, many took advantage of the beautiful autumn day and headed outside to participate in the many demonstrations and enjoy live entertainment provided by local schools, bands and community groups.
One of the day’s most popular attractions was the butterfly release held outside the Environmental Horticulture Department. A lucky yet hesitant participant, 13-year-old Noe Mathews, got up close and personal with a butterfly after a handler placed a fluttering monarch on her cheek to give her a real butterfly kiss.
“It was kind of scary at first but it tickled when it was on my face” said Mathews.
Folks also learned about the various species and developmental stages of a butterfly from Dan Greathouse, owner of Greathouse Butterflies Inc., provider of the 75 butterflies that were hand-released by HarvestEd attendees throughout the day.
The event proved both fun and educational as the Val Tech staff and partners offered helpful instructions in safety and health that will benefit families for years to come. There were presentations on CPR and the Heimlich maneuver as well as useful tips in massage therapy and dental care.
Kids rollicked around the bounce house attractions and showed off their creative talents while painting pumpkins in the pumpkin patch and building wooden turkeys courtesy of Lowe’s. Attendees viewed an impressive display of more than 100 beautifully restored vehicles from a 1937 Jaguar to souped-up muscle cars during the South Georgia Classic Car Club Show.
HarvestEd provided a full day of fun and education that proved to be a big hit for the entire family. For Tracy Hoskinson, a newcomer to Valdosta, the event was a good way to spend time with loved ones while learning about her new community.
“We came out because of all the activities. We love it all; it’s been fun for the whole family.”
Homepage
Related Photos
-
Noe Mathews gets a real butterfly kiss with help from butterfly handler Dan Greathouse while taking part in the butterfly release at HarvestEd Saturday at Valdosta Technical College. Tiffany Farrow
Discussion
Thousands have fun at HarvestEd
- Local News
-
-
Lake Park in Limbo
Continued ...
LAKE PARK — Lake Park citizens will have to wait several months before being able to attend another City Council meeting following Tuesday’s resignation of two council members.
Deb Cox, Lowndes County elections supervisor, said Georgia state law dictates that another special election cannot be held until July 31. - Colo. court says fugitive sibling has plea deal
- Airport Authority tours True Flight Aerospace Plant
- Lake Park: Council members resign
-
Lake Park in Limbo
- Local Sports
-
-
Big weekend ahead for Lady Blazers
Valdosta State’s Courtney Mitchell (32) goes up for a jump shot in a game versus Christian Brothers in late January. Mitchell and the Lady Blazers host Alabama-Huntsville tonight at 6 p.m.
It might be an understatement to call this weekend’s two home games for the Valdosta State women’s basketball team a big deal, because that is exactly what they are.
Continued ... - Blazers fall to Albany State, 7-3
-
- Obituaries
- Business
-
-
Business Wish List Results
The results are in from my very un-scientific poll on the businesses that people want to see come to Valdosta. After my comment last week that there seemed to be more requests for retail than restaurants, I was bombarded this week with restaurant suggestions, so I’m guessing even with an OG, readers aren’t quite satisfied yet.
Continued ...
-
Business Wish List Results
- Features
-
-
10 most romantic hotels in the U.S.
Valentine’s Day will be here soon, and a romantic getaway may be just what the heart needs. TripAdvisor has released its list of the 10 most romantic hotels in the country, based on travelers’ reviews about the beautiful scenery, friendly staffs and romantic amenities like hot tubs and fireplaces.
Continued ...
-
- AP Video
- Comments
