55th Annual Farm City Days at the Historic Blair Farm

August 2010

All photos and illustrations by Pat Johns ©2010 - present
All Rights Reserved
See links to article references at the end of the article.

While local food may be a new trend for some, Watauga County's Farm City Days is celebrating its 55th year. This gathering, this year at the historic Blair Farm across from the Boone Golf Course, aims to bring farmers and consumers together in a country fair atmosphere. This year's gathering featured a mix of sun and some of the recent welcome rains. The property's large trees gave shelter during downpours. A gathering of farmers, after all, would be the last place to hear complaints about rain.

Goat at 55th Annual Farm City Days at the Historic Blair Farm

Farm City Days is not only fun, it is educational. Goats, chicks, alpacas and other animals were available for petting and visitors were given information about their importance for not only food but also fibers for weaving.

Musicians at 55th Annual Farm City Days at the Historic Blair Farm

Girl with Chick at 55th Annual Farm City Days at the Historic Blair Farm

The Blue Ridge Parkway, now celebrating its 75th year, had an information booth as did the new Elk Knob State Park, the Audubon Society and the Watauga Woodcarvers club. Live music kept all entertained during sun and rain.

Chickens at 55th Annual Farm City Days at the Historic Blair Farm

The Blair Farm

The house and barns of the Blair Farm are among the oldest still standing in Watauga County. Built in 1844 by Henry Blair and his wife Mary Steele they are still maintained by the current Blair family member Sharon Blair Tolbert and her husband Byron. Sharon is their great-great-granddaughter.

The farm was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2008 and became a certified organic farm in 2009. They have applied to become a Century Farm.

According to the NC Department of Agriculture website (see link below):

"In 1970, the North Carolina State Fair undertook the largest agricultural project in the fair’s history. To highlight the theme of its 1970 State Fair, "Salute to Agriculture," State Fair officials initiated a search for all families who have owned or operated a farm in North Carolina for 100 years or more. More than 800 farms qualified as a Century Farm. Today, there are about 48,000 farms in North Carolina, but only about 1,600 have the distinct honor of being a N.C. Century Farm." ~ N.C. Dept. of Agriculture website

The Tolberts would like to see the farm used for community activities and for opportunities to educate visitors about local history and agriculture.

The farm is located on Deerfield Road across from the Boone Golf Course. Check local calendars for events at the farm and don't miss the opportunity to tour the house while you are there.