Craker Day 2019 marks re-instating of Ag Hall of Fame for St. Johns County

SAINT JOHNS COUNTY – The economic impact of the agricultural industry in St. Johns County will be spotlighted Oct. 19, during the St. Johns Cattlemen’s Association 60th anniversary Cracker Day.

This year’s event at the St. Johns County Fairgrounds, State Road 207, has two missions, explains Terrell Jones, president of the cattlemen’s group. One is to re-install the Agricultural Hall of Fame, a project introduced to the community in 1998. The goal, Jones and Tim Wilson, St. Johns County Extension Director, explained recently is “to bring awareness as much as possible” regarding agriculture in not only St. Johns County, but the adjoining counties of Flagler and Putnam.

In regard to the Hall of Fame, a plaque is being created to recognize the first 10 named to the honor group. That plaque will be located in the lobby of the Agricultural Center. The 10 honored in 1998 were selected on the basis of contributions to the agricultural industry in terms of service, farming, timber and ranching. They included George M. Beach, farmer; Nettie Ruth Brown, service to agriculture and cooperative extension; William Earl Byrd, farmer; Shirley Ann Cooksey, service; Howard W. Mizell Sr., timber producer; Paul Dinkins, service to agriculture; J. Gordon Middleton, service to agriculture; S.A. Snyder, rancher; Allen Nease, timber producer;  and H.E. Wolfe, rancher.

A committee composed of Carole Parker, Betty Wilson, Jeanette Wells, Cooksey, Betty Jo Brubaker, Nettie Ruth Brown, Jones and Wilson is coordinating the re-instatement of the Hall of Fame.

Cracker Day, held the third Saturday in October each year, is a day to emphasize the importance of the ag industry to this county. Horse competition, barbecue, a variety of special booths and displays including Cracker Cows and the art of whip cracking mark the yearly event. Further details on this year’s celebration will be announced as the date nears.