Expo is a Learning Experience for Kids of All Ages

For parents, the expo is more than just quality family time; its also an opportunity to teach their kids the important role agriculture plays in our community. Many kids who came with their parents had their first opportunity to get up close and personal with farm animals. "My favorite part of the expo is watching the animals and petting them," said Reece Barbuzanes, who loves learning about animals. Many said it was a lesson they can better learn while at the expo than they can while reading a textbook. "Its educational for the children. Its really a hands-on event and lots of fun for all age groups," said Mimi Burbuzanes, who loves the expo. "Its always going to be around us here, and its a great legacy experience for them," said Marlene Grosbeck, who enjoys taking kids to the expo. The expo doesnt just attract all different ages; it also brings in people from other areas in the nation. "I love animals. I love the idea of being on the farm, and thats really different. In Boston, thats really hard to find," said Ying Wang & Siaolian Tan, who came from Boston to the expo. Participants said spreading the message to the younger generation wont just help secure the legacy of agriculture in Washington County, but it will also give them a better appreciation for the little things in life. "Kids today think everything comes from the grocery store. It ends up at the grocery story, but thats not where it started from. The kids need to understand the work that goes into the food thats sitting on their dinner table," said Betsy Herbst of Agventures & Birthing Center. For more information on events this week at the Ag Expo, click [url=www.agnr.umd.edu/Extension/local/Washington/files/Ag%20Expo%20Schedule%202006.pdf]here[/url]. You must have Acrobat Reader to view the file. The Ag expo runs until Friday, July 28th. Reported by Marie Coronel" Canoe Capsizes in Potomac River; Everyone Ok,1153709151,1153709151,"WASHINGTON COUNTY, MD- Authorities are urging folks to be extra careful when canoeing in the Potomac River after two canoes capsized near Sandy Hook Road on Sunday evening.