A celebration of all things “country” will be held on Sunday, March 31, from 3 – 5 pm at the Historic Belton Train Depot.

“Lots of entertaining and informative activities are planned for the exhibit opening,” stated BAMA Executive Director Abigail Burden.

The BHP FFA will provide a farm animal petting zoo complete with rabbits, goats, fancy chickens, cows, ponies, and pigs for everyone to enjoy.

5th Wheel Farm proprietors Dan and Isabell Boob will be demonstrating goat milk soap making skills and patrons can sign up for a class to be held at the depot on May 4.

The BHP Horticulture class will be selling potted vegetable plants including tomatoes and peppers for $1.50 each, and wave petunias and wandering Jew hanging baskets for $10 each.

“Everyone who has a great sweet tea recipe is asked to bring along 2 gallons of tea to participate in a Sweet Tea Contest,” stated Mrs. Burden.

The winner will be chosen by popular vote and crowned BHP Sweet Tea Queen. The winner will also receive a $25 gift certificate to J. Peters Restaurant.

Carolina Cotton will have baby chicks for sale along with growing kits and Toby Chandler will give an informative session on raising backyard chickens. His wife and co-owner Emily Chandler will provide a special presentation on decorating with cotton.

There will be a seminar on backyard beekeeping by the Anderson County Bee Keepers Association and a variety of new teas to taste provided by Carolina Parakeet Tea and Gifts of Anderson.

“We invite all those who have vintage and restored farm equipment and tractors to show them off at the depot on opening day,” stated Alison Darby, BAMA educational coordinator. “Please call me at 864-958-5264 to confirm that you will be bringing your equipment to display.”

The new exhibit at the Belton Depot examines the meaning of “country” historically and currently. From love of the land to traditional crafting skills, from the best sweet tea recipe to Grandma’s kitchen, from musical talent to new advances in agricultural technology, this exhibit will feature all things “Country.”

Interactive exhibit activities include a potting station under a greenhouse sponsored by Gus’s Home Center so kids can pick seed types to plant in jars to take home, a video station where people can record their memories of growing up in the country, and a traditional butter churning station.

Hosted by the Belton Area Museum Association, the exhibit is free to the public, thanks to the patronage of the following sponsors: Pickens Railway, Old Stone Tractor, Belton Metal Company, Anderson County ATAX, City of Belton HTAX, Gus’s Home Center, and ACE Hardware of Williamston and Honea Path.

The museum is open Wednesday – Friday (9 am – 2 pm), and Saturday (10 am – noon), or by appointment. Items will be on display through June 1.

For more information, contact BAMA Executive Director Abigail Burden at 864-338-7400 or [email protected].

“Come on out Sunday for a wonderful homegrown celebration,” remarked Mrs. Burden.