“Experience Cumberland County Agriculture Day” will be held on October 6, 2012. A ceremony will be held at 9:00AM at the McCullough Acres

CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PA (August 28, 2012) - "Experience Cumberland County Agriculture Day" will be held on October 6, 2012. A ceremony will be held at 9:00AM at the McCullough Acres, 260 Centerville Road, Newville, to celebrate 15,000 acres of farmland preserved in Cumberland County, 100 years of the County 4-H Chapter, and the launching of the Cumberland Valley Rail Trail Heritage Signs.

The new signage along the Cumberland Valley Rail Trail, made possible with a grant from the Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau, highlights the agricultural and historical importance of the trail and surrounding farmlands. The 11-mile trail runs on a stretch of old railroad tracks connecting the towns of Shippensburg and Newville.

After the ceremony, seven farms will offer FREE tours between 10:00AM and 2:00PM. These farms include McCullough Acres, Winsome Farm, Weary Farm, Earth Spring Farm, Dickinson College Farm, Strock Farm, and the CVHS Community Hunger Garden. In addition, visitors can take a self-guided walk or bike ride on the Cumberland Valley Rail Trail to view interpretive signs about agriculture and Civil War history.

The purpose of the farm tours is to give residents and visitors an opportunity to experience local agriculture in Cumberland County and learn about the environmental, financial, and societal benefits of agriculture. A brochure with information and directions to each farm is available at www.ccpa.net/farmland.

For more information, please contact the Cumberland County Office of Penn State Extension at (717) 240-6500 or Cumberland County Planning Department at (717) 240-6537.

The mission of the Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau is to promote Cumberland Valley as a tourist destination, attract visitors to the area, enhance the visitor's experience, and to encourage and promote overnight stays.