An annual history of agriculture even takes place this weekend in Piatt County.
The 14th annual Piatt County Barn Tour kicks off today hosted by the Piatt County Museum. The self driving tour will feature over a dozen barns for viewing this weekend. The Blue Ridge township will be on display for this year's installment of the tour. Peg Bargone, with the Piatt County Museum says with the harvest in full swing, this is a good time to come in and see how a farming operations works.
[audio:piattbarns1.mp3]A Word From Bargone[/audio]
With farm equipment getting larger each year, many old style farms are beginning to dissipate around central Illinois. Bargone believes showcasing these farms and old barns is something necessary to preserving the history of the family farm. She applauds the farmers who keep their old barns up despite the ever changing agriculture technology.
[audio:piattbarns2.mp3]A Word From Bargone[/audio]
According to Bargone, the Tour originated as a one-day event to barns around the county, and now it has grown into an award winning three-day festival. Over 200 historic barns and agriculture structures have been identified, researched and documented over the past 14 years.
[audio:piattbarns3.mp3]A Word From Bargone[/audio]
The Tours will be from 9 am to 3 pm this week. To purchase tickets for the tours you can visit Blue Ridge Township Town Hall at 116 East Oliver in Mansfield. Tickets are $15 per person, children 12 and under are free, and tours are available until dusk.
