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If you were an elementary school student in the 1990s or early 2000s, chances are you took a field trip to the Willis Farm for Farm City Day. Beginning in 1991, the Willis family has hosted thousands of students at their farm in the Rutledge Hill Community.

According to Bob Willis, Farm City Day founder, his wife, Carole, asked him if he would be willing to host her 3rd grade Campus Elementary class at the farm. What began as one class from Murfreesboro became an annual event hosting 1,000 children yearly.

For over 20 years, Farm City Day allowed youth to learn more about agriculture. This immersive experience featured farm animals, wildlife, crop exhibits, farm equipment, safety, soil and water resources, and, one of the highlights, a flyby crop duster demonstration.

In 2008, Farm City Day transitioned from the farm to the Coffee County Fairgrounds. Bob Willis explained, “With no buildings, we always ran the risk of a rain-out. Though it is not a farm, the fairgrounds provide advantages in bad weather.” The last Farm City Day was held in 2011. After a 14-year break, it’s time for a reboot.

This year, we are proud to host Farm City Day on May 3 at the Coffee County Fairgrounds. Several groups have partnered to host this event – UT/TSU Extension, Farm Bureau Board of Directors and Women’s Committee, Young Farmers & Ranchers, Coffee County Soil and Water Conservation District, 4-H, FFA, and the Coffee County Fair Board. Many of the traditional Farm City Day activities will be featured, including farm animals, educational exhibits, and farm equipment. New activities will include the “Are you stronger than a Farmer?” challenge, Mobile Ag Classroom (a virtual reality activity), and so much more.

Farm City Day will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is FREE to the public. Several food trucks will be on hand, and lunch and snacks will be available for purchase. We hope you will join us for a fun-filled day at Farm City Day.

Volunteer and business sponsorship opportunities are available. Please contact me at awillis2@utk.edu if you would like to volunteer or sponsor.