Every July, about midsummer, Hardy County gets to show off what Kent Leonhardt, West Virginia Commissioner of Agriculture called “by far the largest contributor to West Virginia’s agricultural economy,” the poultry industry.
Over $300 million per year flows from the poultry industry into the state’s economy, the lion’s share coming from Hardy and adjacent counties in the South Branch Valley watershed. Beyond that, adds Leonhardt “some of the world’s best turkey genetics are developed right here in West Virginia.”
And many understand that the week does not just celebrate the poultry product and its impact on the state, but also all of the farmers, workers, agricultural service agency personnel, as well as a strongly supportive community.
Saturday kicked off with Celebrate Moorefield at the Town Park. The Kiddie Parade commenced marching at 9 a.m. while children with the entrepreneurial spirit got to participate as vendors in a “Kids Market.” Organizers encouraged kids to come up with their own crafts to sell all day long, but food was not allowed.
The kids would have to wait for Wednesday to come up with culinary creations!
Ward Malcolm, representing the West Virginia Poultry Association, shared that the day of fun would include bouncy houses, face painting, and a number of other fun activities for the kids.
On Monday, the Town Pool offered a free day to enjoy splashing in the summer heat.
Tuesday and Wednesday always serve as the traditional days to hold the educational dinners. Oak Flat, in Pendleton County, hosts a turkey oriented version of the presentation sponsored by Pendleton Community Bank while the Moorefield Church of the Brethren serves as the main site for that focusing on chicken. Farm Credit supports the Moorefield dinner.
Speaking at both is Talman Hylton, an expert and sales specialist in advanced agricultural products who received his Masters degree from West Virginia University studying applied poultry research while working on the Animal Science Farm. He spent much of his career working with Shenandoah Valley based producers.
Wednesday also serves as “Youth Day.” The event returns to Moorefield Middle School after a one-year hiatus at the high school.
Starting at 9 a.m., 4H and Future Farmers of America contestants show their skills in precision poultry and egg judging. Pride is on the line also between area high schools who relish victories in poultry judging almost as much as in football and basketball.
Also, over 25 contestants will compete to serve up to judges the best tasting fire roasted chicken with barbeque sauces crafted by the kids. Over the years, contestants have served their own versions of classic sauce styles while also coming up with unique and tasty concoctions all their own.
All get to enjoy the youth luncheon and recognition at 3 p.m. during a presentation of awards.
The entire community can join in the fun on Wednesday as well. The West Virginia Poultry Association will judge registered homes and businesses on how well they can decorate with a poultry theme.
Fun and games continue on Thursday starting early at Valley View. The West Virginia Poultry Convention and Festival Poultry Golf Tournament starts bright and early and runs through morning and afternoon. At 6 p.m. comes the Poultry Parade. Kids of all ages can line up and cheer on the fire vehicles, floats, decorated cars, and pageantry as it rolls through downtown Moorefield.
According to Malcolm, “There are 18 teams in the morning, less in the afternoon. We feed them good. We give them a great chicken dinner.”
Friday morning will open with the business of the West Virginia Poultry Association as they open up the convention. Malcolm explained that one of the important items of business lies in selecting officers for the coming year.
Attendees will gather starting at 4:30 at Mountain View Miller Farms in Fisher. From that time until 6 will be a reception, followed by the President’s Dinner at 6, then dancing afterward. Sponsors include the West Virginia University Alumni Association, Pendleton Community Bank, Highlands Bank, and Burke and Herbert Bank.
Festivities wrap up on Saturday the 18 with the Hardy County Rod and Gun Club Summer Shootout where contestants can compete at different skill levels for prizes.
Malcolm also noted that the festival does not end the public work of the Poultry Association for the summer. It will partner with Pilgrims to run the Chicken Shack at the Tri County Fair. Both organizations split the proceeds, the WVPA supporting scholarship programs and Pilgrims raising funds for their community support programs. “We’re glad Pilgrims is here. They do a lot for us,” noted Malcolm.
