The Woodward News

Local News

January 18, 2011

Commission planned to discuss agritourism

Gary Engel Woodward News

Woodward, Okla. — Woodward tourism officials are encouraging participation by those involved with local agriculture in the first Agritourism Association Convention to be held in Stillwater on Feb. 1.

At the convention, workshop sessions are planned on a variety of agritourism topics, including licensure requirements for animal-related farm activities; food and health regulations; and tourism opportunities through hunting, corn mazes and pumpkin patches.

“This is an opportunity to grow agritourism and small farms, increase local food availability and the number of events to be offered in our region to support our new convention center, while complimenting existing industries, businesses and farming operations (and) while improving the quality of life in our community,” said Debbie Hickman, assistant director of the Woodward Tourism and Convention Bureau.

However, Hickman said agritourism is nothing new to Woodward.  

For example, the local Anchini-Moore Ranch hosted an educational farm tour last fall, in cooperation with Northwest Oklahoma State University, Langston University and OSU Extension, she said.  As part of that farm tour, visitors from outside of the area were brought to Woodward to learn about organic farming practices such as rainwater collection and composting.

The Agritourism Association Convention will only help to provide other local farmers, ranchers and even gardeners with ideas for hosting similar agritourism events that promote their efforts as well as the Woodward region.

Registrations for the convention may be made right up until the event begins, according to a release.

Or you may register in advance by going online to www.okcommerce.gov/Libraries/Documents/OK-Agritourism-Conference-Regi_3218.pdf (the pdf is 2 pages, both of which must be filled out). A schedule for the convention also appears on the registration page.

The convention, which is hosted by the Oklahoma Agritourism Association, will be held from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 1 at the Meridian Technology Center, 1312 S. Sangre Road in southwest Stillwater.  Lunch will be provided during the convention, as well as some snacks throughout the day.

Oklahoma Agritourism Association spokeswoman Lori Coates said that to assist with meal planning, participants should register as soon as possible.

Coates said registrations may also be made by phone to Dr. Diane Dickinson at (918) 342-5911.

Or for more information, contact Coates at (405) 420-9242.

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