By Jim Luksic
The Town of Penney Farms' fourth Old-Fashioned Farm Day got underway on a peaceful, cloud-free Saturday morning as vendors and exhibitors greeted dozens — and gradually hundreds — of attendees.
David and Anita Cooper, the town's manager and clerk, respectively, helped oversee the five-hour affair, which was expected to bring in 400 to 500 visitors.
"We hope to build off of this," David said in reference to the yearly event's impact on Penney Farms, nestled about 5 miles west as the crow flies from Clay County Fairgrounds.
"I love seeing everybody come out," said Anita, who noted there were 15 local exhibitors and 45 vendors on hand. "This is fun, old-timey stuff."
Old-Fashioned Farm Day — which stretched from the historical museum to Martina C. Kohler Park — comprised food and refreshments, arts and crafts, musical entertainment, the Easter Bunny, classic cars and a small petting zoo.
Among the faces in the crowd was Alan "Old Man" Powell and his hands-on toys. The retired fireman said he always loved to carve "just like his grandfather" and enjoys displaying the items.
About 50 yards away stood Keystone Heights resident Jeff Rehkopf, a former auto mechanics teacher. He was at the festival for the second time showcasing classic radios, including a century-old antique. "I like showing off and talking to people," he explained.
Longtime Penney Farms resident Julie Collison, a London transplant with a British accent intact, greeted folks at one entrance while distributing a Farm Day schedule and town map.
Bill Caton, a first sergeant with the Florida Youth ChalleNGe Academy, accompanied at-risk uniformed teens during the event. As part of the program's community service, they participated in the Farm Day's opening ceremony.
It wasn't long before the brisk morning gave way to a warm, sparkling afternoon.
"We got really lucky," Anita Cooper said of the idyllic conditions.
