Farm Safety Day draws 400 children

FRANKLINTON -- About 400 students from Franklinton Junior High, Pine, Mount Hermon and Bowling Green Schools participated in the Ninth Progressive Foundation Farm Safety Day at the Washington Parish Fairgrounds Wednesday.

The event started about 9 a.m. and went to about 1:30 p.m.

The students who attended were mostly sixth graders, but there were also some fifth graders from Bowling Green, organizers said.

Students went through a “Body Walk” maze, learning about various parts of the body that was set up in one of the buildings at the fairgrounds.

At the nearby rodeo arena, students learned all terrain vehicle safety from professionals. Wendel Miley, the safety director for State Farm Bureau, spoke to students about the need for ATV safety, which may help save a life one day.

Organizer Audrey Posey said past farm safety days had taken place in June, and had drawn typically about 100 students or so. But this year, organizers spoke to school officials, and made it a kind-of field trip for the students.

It turned out to be great effort as 400 students were able to attend. The event also acted as a stress-reliever for many students who just got done taking LEAP and iLEAP tests.

Students also received door prizes before having to head back to school in the afternoon.