Union goes ‘Wild and Free in 2023’ for Farmer’s Day
By Jeffrey Kanode, for RealWV
They have been gathering in Union for Farmer’s Day for sixty-eight years now, and the “Wild and Free in 2023” edition held over the first weekend in June carried the youthful energy and summertime joy that promises to carry the community gathering far into the future. From a Friday evening dance to the Grand Parade and the horse show on Saturday, to fireworks lighting up the Monroe County sky at day’s end, with many other events in between, Farmer’s Day packed much into a short span of time.
“Farmer’s Day is a giant gathering of friends and family, a shady spot, and a great time to see everyone in the county at one time. It’s a beautiful thing,” said Larry Emerson, president of the Monroe County Historical Society. He was indeed enjoying the reprieve of the shade in front of the museum while he and many others watched the parade unfold down Main Street.
The historical society opens their museum again every Farmer’s Day, using the event to invite people to explore the rich history of Monroe County. “Opening today, we bring the history back into view, right here in the center of town,” said Madison Vass, an AmeriCorps member and college student working with the Monroe County Historical Society.
“We open on Farmer’s Day and close October 31,” said former AmeriCorps member and current volunteer Vernessa Pontius. “We try to get people in the museum today so they feel comfortable coming back.”
Farmer’s Day focuses on the history and heritage of Union and Monroe County, but it does so in a way that blends yesterday and today, almost seamlessly. C.C. and Ann Parker were the king and queen of Farmer’s Day. Eighty-five year old C.C. is a farmer who has lived in Monroe County his entire life. The Parkers rode in the Grand Parade in an antique car, and they were just feet away from the young students of James Monroe High School’s JROTC and marching band.
Bill Shiflet served as the grand marshal of this year’s parade. Shiflet has a long record of community service to Union and Monroe County, from the Board of Education to the county building commission and solid waste authority, not to mention his work with many civic organizations, and his church. “Bill has done work that he won’t take credit for. I can tell you he has been a blessing to this community,” said Donnie Evans, former Monroe County clerk.
Shiflet said that as the mayor of Union, his dad was instrumental in creating Farmer’s Day. The family connection, and a lifetime living and serving in the area made being named Grand Marshal a touching honor. “This is a culmination of years of working in the community,” he said. “I’m really grateful.”
The Union Area Chamber of Commerce has stewardship of Farmer’s Day. Board president Michelle McFall called Famer’s Day “the biggest, exciting community event.” According to board member Jamie Gardinier, the planning for this year’s event started after last year’s festivities concluded. The focus, she said, remains constant from one year to the next. “We want people to have fun and enjoy the beginning of summer. We want them to learn about, and support all of our local businesses and clubs.”
The streets of Union were lined up with local businesses, vendors, clubs, churches, and organizations offering everything from full meals to baked goods to complimentary bottled water. “Farmer’s Day is a celebration of the community, of farmers,” said Herbie Burdette of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. “We participate in Farmer’s Day to remind people that the veterans in this area still need someone to speak up for them. We are still here, and our veterans are still here.”
Farmer’s Day also featured a plethora of live music, including Caden Glover, who just graduated from James Monroe High School last year, and in the succeeding year has recorded an EP, The Cabin Session, traveled to Las Vegas for American Idol, and now tours the region extensively. Local runners and walkers put on the Farmer’s Day 5k, 10k, and Fun Walk, organized by the Fred Walker Memorial Scholarship Fund. With an overall theme of cancer awareness, this year the races raised funds to help offset medical costs for Xander Castillo, a former James Monroe Maverick undergoing treatment for a treatable form of Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The Union Area Chamber of Commerce also sponsored a raffle featuring cash prizes and merchandise and services from local businesses.
Monroe County 911 estimates some 9000 people came to town over the course of the Farmer’s Day weekend in Union. There was a plethora of sunshine and times of rain, and the spirit of community uniting it all.
