The annual Farm City Festival, hosted by the Oklahoma Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee, gave state lawmakers a taste of country at the state Capitol on Tuesday, April 21.
The OKFB Women’s Leadership Committee, consisting of rural women leaders from throughout the state, used the Capitol’s first floor rotunda to set out a spread of freshly prepared food, much of it home-baked, for the legislators. There were trays of fresh vegetables, sandwiches, cheese and fruit, cookies, cupcakes and brownies.
“We want them to see where their food comes from, and we want to promote farming and all the things we do,” said Kitty Beavers, OKFB Women’s Leadership Committee chairman.
Beavers said the event gives the women a unique opportunity to connect with Oklahoma’s lawmakers.
“We think it’s very important for legislators to know we are real people,” she said. “We want them to know we are interested in what they do, and we want our voices heard. We want them to know who the Oklahoma Farm Bureau women are.”
More than 400 plates of food were prepared for legislators and their staff members. It gives the legislators a chance to not only enjoy a delicious lunch, but also hear from rural Oklahomans about issues that concern them.
“Farm Bureau women do a great job of bringing food in here, and it always amazes me,” said Sen. Mike Shulz. “It’s a great opportunity for Farm Bureau members to lobby us.”
Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture Jim Reese said Farm City Festival is one of the most popular days at the Capitol.
“I know it’s one of the legislators’ favorite days,” he said. “People love it when Farm Bureau brings their Farm City Festival to the Capitol.
The rural Farm Bureau women leaders have been hosting the Farm City Festival for more than 30 years.
