Farm and Ranch Day a day for fun!

By LYNN MONTGOMERY | East Texas Edition

A young cowboy tries his hand at the "bull ride" set up as part of the recent Special Kids Farm and Ranch Day in Golden.

May 15, 2003 -- Students and volunteers celebrated the 4th Annual Special Kids Farm and Ranch Day in Golden on May 8.

"This is a special event for these children and lots of fun," said Jennifer Henderson, Alba-Golden ag teacher.

Throughout the day, special needs children from Van Zandt-Rains County Special Education Co-op and Wood County Special Education Co-op participated in stick horse rodeo, roping and bucking, snail tram, a hayride, covered wagon ride, petting zoo, horse painting and horseback rides. They were also served hot dogs underneath the pavilion.

Each child was assigned a "buddy" - members from either the Alba-Golden FFA, Alba-Golden National Honor Society, Alba-Golden Student Council, Mineola FFA, Winnsboro FFA and Yantis FFA. Many volunteers assisted with the fun as well.

The next day, the Alba-Golden FFA sponsored the 8th Annual Kindergarten Farm and Ranch Day for students who attend Alba-Golden ISD.

Henderson, along with Alba-Golden's other ag teacher Hugh Ragsdale (aka Captain Laredo), thanked the Golden Sweet Potato Festival Committee, Rodney Wallace (from Saddle-Up in Tyler) for bringing the horses complete with special saddles for the children, and the many volunteers.