Across the country over half a million FFA members are celebrating one of the nation's premier youth organizations. Nearly 80 Cedaredge FFA members are joining the festivities in hopes of educating the public about agriculture and the FFA.
The chapter has spent the last few weeks organizing and preparing for a frenzy of activity and excitement.
The CHS officer team went to Glenwood Springs for Chapter Officer Leadership Training (COLT).
The events kicked off with an all school barbecue. FFA members in conjunction with the Cedaredge FFA Alumni treated the entire student body to grilled hamburgers, baked beans, chips, and cake. Tuesday was one of the week's highlights as 15 members spent the day at Cedaredge Elementary conducting Ag in the Classroom lessons. The fifth grade students will learn about soil components and enjoy gourmet dirt pudding. Shaking fresh cream into butter is both entertaining and educational for the fourth grade students. The third grade will indulge in caramel apples while learning about the apple chain. Creating hamburgers with playdough and learning where commodities come from will entertain the second graders. A stick horse rodeo and parade will commence after the first graders learn about horses and create their own take home stick horse. Finally the kindergartners will create a human barn yard with animal masks and then take the fun home with finger puppets. Wednesday is teacher appreciation day and will begin with the traditional famous Bobbitos Burritos served to all CHS faculty and staff.
Forty Ag I students received their Greenhand degrees and official dress jackets in November.
Thursday promises to be busy for the chapter members with the Annual Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry and FFA Member Auction. The dinner begins at 5:30 and includes all-you-can-eat oysters, chicken, baked beans, cheesy potatoes, and a potluck of additional sides and desserts. Tickets for the all-you-can-eat dinner are $10 for adults and $5 for elementary students. After the feeding frenzy get ready to purchase a day of labor from your favorite FFA member. Students will be sold as pairs or individuals to meet the need of community bidders. Each FFA member commits eight hours of labor to the winning bidder. All proceeds from the evening will assist the chapter in funding leadership trainings, attending state and national conventions, sending members to competitions and additional activities.
Friday will be full of laughter and good times and the chapter hosts a mechanical bull for their fellow high school students during lunch. That night, the Gunnison River District Dance is open to all current GRV FFA members. Finally Saturday will wrap up the festivities with the first annual chapter trap shoot to be held at Cedaredge Rod and Gun.
The chapter would like to thank all for their support and contribution to the week's celebrations. A special thanks to the Cedaredge FFA Alumni, Lucky 7 Rodeo for providing the bull, and JC Propane for their donation of propane for the oyster fry.
After the dust settles from the crazy week, the chapter will still be busy preparing for spring bedding plant sales and the district quiz bowl contest, speaking contest, and career development events including horse and dairy judging, and the mechanics. Additionally the spring season brings the annual member recognition banquet with a theme of "Cultivating the Tradition" which will be on Thursday, April 19. The chapter is currently seeking sponsorships and donations to help in recognizing ALL FFA members at the member banquet. If you are interested in contributing, contact Miss Johnson at 856-6882.
