I really love that they are doing this. It’s really great to have something that the home-school kids can do, too. This is one of the things they usually miss out on.”Lucy Stallings, home-school parent
CULLMAN — On Saturday, Dec. 5, the North Alabama Agriplex transformed into Santa’s Workshop. This month’s Farm Kid’s Club event featured various workstations where children and their parents or grandparents could visit and make old-fashioned Christmas decorations together.
Volunteers were on hand with lots of supplies and assisted with the creative process.
Excited boys and girls rolled up their sleeves and happily assembled festive items such as grapevine wreaths, tiny Christmas trees, paper chains, potpourri bags, mini gardens, popcorn garland and ornaments.
“I really love that they are doing this,” said home-schooler Lucy Stallings, as she watched her daughter, 8-year-old Rebecca work. “It’s really great to have something that the home-school kids can do too. This is one of the things they usually miss out on.”
The Farm Kid’s Club is a parent or grandparent and child program that takes place on either the first or second Saturday of each month (except Aug.) from 9:00-10:30 a.m. at the Agriplex. It is targeted toward children ages 5 years and up. The programs cost $5 per child, but are free for adults and max out at $10 per family. Each month they explore a different topic in agriculture or history.
“We just got here so this is my first craft so far,” said sixth-grader Mackenzie, while standing at the wreath table. “This is the third time we have come here to do things. It’s really fun! We have just now started home schooling. I love it so far; I got all my work done Thursday and got to play all day Friday,” she beamed.
It was hard to tell who had the best time in Santa’s Workshop, the children or the volunteers who were helping them.
“I love it here,” said Beverly Cole, as she helped a little boy string popcorn and cranberries for his garland. “I live in Hayden and I come to the Agriplex and do as many things as I can,” she chuckled. “I had attended a workshop here through the extension office once, and after that I began asking them for volunteer opportunities,” she smiled.
Children of all ages enjoy visiting the Agriplex, especially for arts and crafts. If your child hasn’t participated in a Farm Kid’s Club activity yet, why not check it out?
The North Alabama Agriplex is located at 1714 Talley Ho St. in Cullman. For more information, call 256-297-1044 or visit them online at agriplex.org or facebook.com/NorthAlabamaAgriplex.
