Saving a farm ... and a heritage.
For years, Gene Stafford has watched and harvested the persimmons
that grow on the family property in Colfax, North Carolina. The farm
itself has roots that date back to pre-Revolutionary War days. The
house still standing in the middle of the farm is believed to have
greeted Gen. Cornwallis and his British troops as they passed on the
way to the pivotal 1781 battle at Guilford Courthouse.
In a time when the land is no longer farmed and urban and
suburban development are encroaching on old family farms across the
country, Stafford - a professional photographer by trade - went looking
for a way to celebrate the persimmon harvest, showcase area
craftspeople and country traditions, and raise a little capital to save
the family farm at the same time. With its many surviving outbuildings,
open land and recently restored barn, the Stafford Farm seemed the
perfect place for a family-friendly fall festival.
Accordingly, on the proverbial wing and a prayer, Gene kicked off
the first annual Colfax Persimmon Festival on Saturday, November 8,
2008. Though treated as a start-up and lightly promoted for a test run,
the event drew 1,000 enthusiastic visitors to the farm for persimmon
puddings, cider, stew and other goodies.
In short, the test run went very well indeed. Accordingly, an
improved, expanded event was held on November 7, 2009, with about
2,000 people of all ages in attendance.
"We want the Persimmon Festival to be a lot of fun, but also to
honor our heritage and the things that make places like this farm
unique and worth saving. In 2009, we added more activities that
helped all ages understand and enjoy what makes rural life still have
a value in the 21st century. We're currently planning for another event
in 2010."
For years, Gene Stafford has watched and harvested the persimmons
that grow on the family property in Colfax, North Carolina. The farm
itself has roots that date back to pre-Revolutionary War days. The
house still standing in the middle of the farm is believed to have
greeted Gen. Cornwallis and his British troops as they passed on the
way to the pivotal 1781 battle at Guilford Courthouse.
In a time when the land is no longer farmed and urban and
suburban development are encroaching on old family farms across the
country, Stafford - a professional photographer by trade - went looking
for a way to celebrate the persimmon harvest, showcase area
craftspeople and country traditions, and raise a little capital to save
the family farm at the same time. With its many surviving outbuildings,
open land and recently restored barn, the Stafford Farm seemed the
perfect place for a family-friendly fall festival.
Accordingly, on the proverbial wing and a prayer, Gene kicked off
the first annual Colfax Persimmon Festival on Saturday, November 8,
2008. Though treated as a start-up and lightly promoted for a test run,
the event drew 1,000 enthusiastic visitors to the farm for persimmon
puddings, cider, stew and other goodies.
In short, the test run went very well indeed. Accordingly, an
improved, expanded event was held on November 7, 2009, with about
2,000 people of all ages in attendance.
"We want the Persimmon Festival to be a lot of fun, but also to
honor our heritage and the things that make places like this farm
unique and worth saving. In 2009, we added more activities that
helped all ages understand and enjoy what makes rural life still have
a value in the 21st century. We're currently planning for another event
in 2010."
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