Ag-Venture Holding Steak Dinner Tuesday

Next Tuesday, at Firemen's Field, the public will have a chance to support and learn more about Ag-Venture, a local program that educates students about agriculture, and enjoy a rib-eye steak dinner with home made ice cream.

The indoor, rain or shine event starts at 4:30 p.m. and runs to 6:30 p.m. The general public is invited for a donation of $10. Tickets are available at the door, or by calling, 441-1317 or 441-1312.

Musical performers Caleb's Cadence, of the 1st Baptist Church in Lake Placid, and Gary Dressel will entertain.

For about the past 10 years, almost every public, private and homeschooled third grader in Highlands County has attended Ag-Venture.

For three consecutive mornings, starting Tuesday, third graders will again learn about the rural and agricultural lifestyle found here.

Organizer Darlene Phypers said students will learn that agriculture plays a role in every walk of life, and has an impact outside the fruit and vegetable section at the supermarket.

Kids will learn that agriculture is used to produce cosmetics, cleaning supplies and computers.

"We're teaching them the importance of agriculture," said Phypers. "Some day these students will be the people going to the polls."

More than 150 volunteers work each day to help make Ag-Venture successful, with no taxpayer dollars used. The event is donation driven.

At 6:30 p.m., a four minute presentation will highlight the lives of two Ag-Venture veterans who died this year: Mason Smoak and Jerry Huter.

A $1,300 Ruger Red Label 12-gauge over/under shotgun will be raffled off, with the proceeds to benefit a remembrance for Smoak and Huter.

- BILL RETTEW JR.