MTSU Agritourism Winter Village promotes agriculture to children

More than 200 children and nearly 500 people attended the annual MTSU Agritourism Winter Village recently in the Tennessee Livestock Center on Greenland Drive.

The youngsters enjoyed crafts, seeing animals (cows, pigs, a pony and more) and learning where their food that they eat comes from — plus visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus that also provided a photo opportunity.

Winter Village, which is a project for the MTSU Agritourism Club, gives children an opportunity to learn about agriculture, make Christmas crafts and see live animals, all under one roof.

“We’re already looking forward to next year,” said Alanna Vaught, an MTSU School of Agriculture instructor and event director. “Winter Village was very successful, considering it’s a very busy weekend for people.”

The total crowd of 488 people attending on Dec. 7 included 227 adults accompanying 203 children plus 68 volunteers, Vaught said.

As part of free admission for some children, the agritourism club collected donations for the MTSU Student Food Pantry, located in the MTSU One Stop in the Student Services and Admissions Center.

Vaught said the 2020 Winter Village will be held Saturday, Dec. 5.

For more information, call 615-898-2523 or visit www.mtsu.edu/agriculture.

MTSU has more than 300 combined undergraduate and graduate programs. Agriculture is one of 11 College of Basic and Applied Sciences departments.