We believe in celebrating life’s milestones, whether it’s a birthday, an anniversary, or, in the case of Old-Fashioned Farmers’ Days (OFFD), half a century of commemorating community and farm heritage. This year, OFFD hosts its fiftieth anniversary, and in recognition of this significant milestone, we’re taking a look back at the history of this event and honoring the incredible volunteers who work tirelessly to bring you one of Chatham County’s longest-running, continuously held festivals.
What is Old-Fashioned Farmers’ Days?
Hosted annually during Labor Day weekend, OFFD is summer’s last hurrah. As the days grow shorter and the leaves begin to change, thousands flock to Silk Hope Farm Heritage Park every year for a taste of rural life and nostalgia paired with affordable family fun. OFFD heralds community, culture, and farming traditions, many of which are still practiced in Chatham County today.
It’s a living history event that takes place, featuring a variety of vendors, musicians, performers, food, and activities to enjoy throughout the day. Steam cream is one of Silk Hope Farm Heritage Park’s summer treats, enjoyed by both kids and adults, and watching the process is part of the experience. Festival goers will also enjoy:
- Listening to live music from local musicians, spanning genres from bluegrass and country to gospel.
- Savoring Southern comfort food favorites like pulled pork BBQ, fried chicken, and home-cooked pintos.
- Old-fashioned crafting demonstrations, kiddie tractor pulls, and clogging performances in the barn.
- Shopping for artisan goods and crafts made with historic techniques, including jars of molasses made by the Ruritans.
- Exploring antique farm equipment in operation.
- Meeting working farm animals.
- Supporting future farmers through the annual Junior Dairy Show.
Indoor and outdoor activities are further enhanced by new facets introduced each year, keeping the event fresh. This year’s event will feature an exciting parachuting performance by the Children of Fallen Heroes, honoring those who’ve lost their lives in service to our country.
Meet the Silk Hope Ruritans
Anyone with event planning experience knows that a great deal goes on behind the scenes that the visitor never sees. OFFD is no exception. The Silk Hope Ruritan Club, along with dedicated volunteers, works year-round on planning and coordination. The Ruritans meet regularly to keep OFFD running every year, preserve the historical site and traditions, and facilitate weddings and other events on site. Leading up to the event, there are several sweltering North Carolina days of preparing tobacco for curing in the barn, checking the antique farm equipment, and making and packaging jars of molasses, which sell out quickly every year.
In 1975, the Silk Hope Ruritan Club, seeking new revenue streams, began investigating the possibility of hosting a show featuring antique farming equipment. “They wanted to bring the history of the community and rural America to the area so that all ages and backgrounds of folks could either reminisce or learn for the first time what agriculture had been all about,” shares Ruritan members Marion Johnson Mitchell and Michael Rogers.
With the help of Jack “Jackie” M. Johnson, a Silk Hope Fire Department member serving on the board of directors for The Old Time Historical Association in Climax, NC (where antique machinery was on display), the Ruritans decided to hold the first OFFD during the same weekend of the annual Fire Department Chicken Supper. “They figured the crowd that normally supported the department in eating would support the Ruritan Club by visiting the exhibits.” Word spread throughout the community, with members asking neighbors to bring horse-drawn equipment to the show.
That first year, OFFD saw the largest display of horse-drawn equipment in the festival’s history. The Ruritans were encouraged by the community’s support. They sought greater success the following year, putting the “word out” to the community to bring their tractors, engines, and other items of interest to Silk Hope Farm Heritage Park. This event later became known as “the mass hauling”, with equipment arriving from farmers across the community.
Since 1975, OFFD has expanded its offerings to include new exhibits, extended days, and a variety of fun activities for the whole family. “We hope it will continue to grow, bringing another history lesson to the young and a chance to reminisce for the rest.”
50 Years of History and Farm Heritage
We couldn’t ask for a better fit for our collection of events and attractions than OFFD at Silk Hope Farm Heritage Park (a venue boasting its own rich history). Moreover, one of our major countywide initiatives is preserving the rich rural character of Chatham County, and this event and the site both embrace this philosophy year-round.
Years ago, the Silk Hope Ruritans had hopes that evolved into plans to create a venue and a permanent attraction. Today, weddings, holiday craft shows, seasonal festivals, and Ruritan meetings are among the functions that take place throughout the venue and grounds. While they raised funds to create a space for education, agritourism, and enjoyment, the Silk Hope Ruritans have also consistently given back to the youth of Chatham County through scholarships.
Next year, America will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. In recognition of this significant moment, Chatham County Government created Chatham Celebrates America 250 to provide our residents and visitors with robust educational experiences and inclusive programming centered around the Semiquincentennial. We couldn’t think of a better way to soft-launch this initiative than with a kickoff celebrating the heritage, history, and rural character of Silk Hope at OFFD.
Join us as we explore the vendors, music, demonstrations, and festive atmosphere at this event, marking a significant milestone as we bid farewell to summer and welcome fall. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more scenes of Old-Fashioned Farmers’ Day and Silk Hope Farm Heritage Park.
