EASTON — On July 23, 1964, Donald Spies, Thomas Meredith and John Mulder signed on as founders of the Talbot County Agriculture & Education Center on Hiners Lane.
With decades of 4-H showcases and county fairs under its belt, the Agriculture and Education Center is turning 60.
In partnership with member organizations Easton FFA, Easton Lions Club, Talbot County 4-H, Talbot County Farm Bureau, and Tri-County Ruritan, the Ag Center aims to strengthen rural Talbot County culture and provide agricultural education experiences.
Amanda Clougherty, president of the Ag Center, says it’s a team effort to prepare for large events like the fair.
“What makes us unique here is we are independently-owned,” Clougherty said. “We are a nonprofit organization. All of our neighboring county fair facilities are all owned by county governments. So we have a lot of things to worry about. We have to worry about facility maintenance, repairs, operations.”
As co-chair of Ag Center’s fair committee, Clougherty says that the fair has maintained that unique distinction.
“We know who we are,” she said. “We’re a small, old-time, family-fun outing.”
While the center is hosting its 41st county fair this week, it serves the community year-round, not just during fair weekend. It hosts events such as weddings, birthday parties, meetings and workshops.
With no full-time paid staff members, the Ag Center relies on volunteers through community organizations. It makes for a truly unique and personable experience during any event, Clougherty said.
“It’s a labor of love and service,” she said.
NEW PARTNERSHIPSClougherty says the Ag Center is always open to new relationships throughout the county. For instance, the Rotary Club of Easton recently held its first event at the center to initiate new officers.
Another new partnership is coming this fall, as four soccer fields at the property will house Chapel District Sports’ first year of soccer practices and games while Chapel District Elementary School is under construction.
“I just think it’s a really good way to expose people to what we do here and build that community connectedness,” Clougherty said.
She believes that partnership and similar ones will allow “kids and families to come together.” She also mentioned an “ag-accurate book trail” will be on the grounds of the center by this fall, which will feature readings and activities at multiple stations.
IMPROVEMENTSAs the Ag Center grows in its community reach, so has the need for facility improvements. Clougherty pinpointed recent upgrades, including up-to-date electric and a new sound system.
Facility improvements would be completely different without assistance from Maryland 4-H youth, Clougherty said. Through Maryland 4-H’s Diamond Clover Award Program, which requires service hours, local youth have transformed the Ag Center.
She said 4-H members have been responsible for rebuilding the outdoor stage, barns, installing fans in the buildings and making benches and the sidewalk accessible.
“We wouldn’t be as far as we are today if it hadn’t been for several outstanding youth throughout the years,” Clougherty said.
It’s just one example of how the community gives back to the Ag Center that has long served county residents, particularly youth.
“It’s a special gold star for the kids who see the need and work hard to contribute,” Clougherty said. “Because they know they’ve benefitted from being out here.”
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