Heritage brought to life during Farm Days

Gerald Wright's job hasn't changed much in the last 100 years.

"I don't make my own horseshoes but I still put them on the same way," he said.

And he showed a group of children how to do it Wednesday morning as part of the Farm Days celebration at Fuji Park.

About 2,000 students from Carson City, Reno, Gardnerville and surrounding areas are expected to tour the nearly 30 exhibits set up at the park by the University of Nevada, Reno's Cooperative Extension.

"The children will learn where their clothing and food comes from," explained Marlana Ramirez, the youth development assistant. "Beef doesn't come from a supermarket. Everything they eat and wear, somebody grew or tended."

Inside exhibits had informational displays from composting and recycling to a list of beef byproducts.

A spinning wheel was also set up, demonstrating how to spin yarn into wool.

Outside, a variety of farm animals were on display including rabbits, chickens, pigs, cows and goats.

"I liked the cows and pigs and horses and all that stuff," said Andrew St. George, 6, a kindergartner at Bordewich-Bray Elementary School. "They're cute."

Jeannette Miller of Red Rock brought a non-traditional display, which she called, "Nevada's undiscovered treasure."

Her exhibit included Charcoal and Spirit, two of her 41 alpacas, the smallest cousin of the llama.

"I love these farm festivals," she said. "It's so neat to see the kids' faces."

She said she breaks even selling the animals' wool but sees the profit in selling them for breeding stock. She recently sold a mother and baby for $17,500.

Garrett Geoffrion, 6, traveled from Gardnerville Elementary School with his first-grade class for the celebration.

"I can't wait to see the billy goats," he said. "I want to see its horns."

The farm festival will continue through today.

"It's important for these kids to know where they came from," Wright said. "This is how this country was made."