By Haley Mitchell Godwin

The Tom Harbin Agricultural Center has been a fixture in Luverne for over 35 years. From its inception, the ag center has helped to develop and promote agriculture in Crenshaw County and has been an asset to the county, hosting a wide variety of events with some events generating revenue for the city of Luverne and the county. 

Due to the age of the building and its frequent use, the Tom Harbin Ag Center is in need of numerous updates and repairs so that it can continue to be a vital part of the community. Crenshaw County Extension, in conjunction with Ag Center Board Members, is hosting a Tom Harbin Ag Center Benefit Saturday, May 14 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. There will be a wide variety of vendors present and many kids activities will be available including a cow train, inflatables, animal encounters and more. Local farmers are bringing animals and several kid farmers will be there with their animals as well. Smokey Bear will be attending with fire safety tips and fun freebies. There will be a silent auction on homemade cakes and other items and a pet costume contest will be held (contact the Extension Office to register). 

The extension agency and board hope to not only gain monetary means to meet some of the repair goals in time for the 2022 farmer’s market beginning the first Monday in June, but they also want to bring the community together for a lot of small-town outdoor fun! 

Admission is $10 for ages 13 and up, $5 for ages 2-12, and free for children under 2. Donations can be made anytime with cash, or a check made payable to Tom Harbin Ag Center. All proceeds from the event, including entrance fees and show fees, will go directly into the Ag Center account to be used for building maintenance, updates and repairs.

Vendor applications are being accepted. Vendor fees are $20 for a 10×10 space. There will be spaces indoors and outdoors for regular vendors, all food vendors will be outdoors. Details about many of the vendors can be found on Facebook under Farmers and Friends – Tom Harbin Ag Center Benefit Event. 

Vendor forms, and pet costume registration forms are available at the Crenshaw County Extension Office or can be emailed. If you need more information or would like to volunteer, contact Kristen or Amanda at 334-335-6312  or 334-304-5079 for more information. 

Vendors currently on the list

Big Bean Farmstead of Luverne-eggs, lettuce, cabbage and collards

Funky Bohemian- painted furniture and kids items

Initially aDOORed-door hangers and other unique, handmade household items

Nature on Wheels- Alabama Nature Center will have animals and activities for children

Betty Sloan of River’s Courtyard-baked goods

Fluffy Butts and Udders-goat milk products and goats 

Skins and skulls/ scats and tracks by 4-H extension

Bassett Family Farms-mini cows and sheep

Wildly Blessed- homemade bee/honey products. traveling bee hive, mini cow, alpaca, baby goats, and hedgehog

Alabama Nature Center-reptiles and amphibians to observe

Susan Tubberville-Avon

Bows and Such-inflatable animals, duck calls, sand art, saber swords, etc.

Mae-Mae’s Designs-custom shirts, tags, keychains, etc.

Dixieland Kettle Corn LLC

Mama’s Lovin-children’s and adult clothing, candles, and warmers