From April 12 to 21, the John M. Parker Coliseum was transformed into a place where more than 9,000 children and adults learned about the wonders and magic of agriculture. AgMagic helped children and adults understand that food, clothing, lumber and other products that result from agricultural production don’t just come from a store.
Attendance at AgMagic was up by 30% in this second year of this event, thanks to the hard work and backing of the entire LSU AgCenter and our AgMagic sponsors, contributors and partners: The Advocate, WYNK 101.5, 96.1 The River, Louisiana Rice Promotion Board, Louisiana Catfish Promotion and Research Board, Louisiana Crawfish Promotion and Research Board, Louisiana Rice Growers Association, Lee Memorial Forest, LSU AgCenter Burden Center, LSU Rural Life Museum, Louisiana Public Broadcasting, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Fur and Alligator Advisory Council, American Society of Sugar Cane Technologists and the Louisiana Forestry Association. A special thanks goes to the more than 170 volunteers who staffed AgMagic as tour guides, Body Walk guides, greeters and “experts” to answer questions.
AgMagic featured a variety of plants, animals, aquatic life and even included a replica of a small forest planted on the coliseum’s dirt floor. It also gave participants a chance to experience the "Body Walk" – an interactive exhibit that is part of the new "Smart Bodies" efforts to combat childhood obesity that are being presented by the LSU AgCenter and a charitable subsidiary of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana.
In addition, AgMagic was the backdrop for an LSU College of Agriculture Recruitment Fair. High school sophomores and juniors from around the state were invited to campus to visit with department heads and faculty from the various departments within the College of Agriculture. More than 100 youth and faculty participated.
AgMagic visitors also participated in a year-long 4-H service learning project known as Operation Military Kids – Project Hope. Visitors contributed writing paper, pens, stationery, disposable cameras, picture frames and stuffed animals that will be put into backpacks and given to children of military families.
Thank you for your support. Plans are already under way for AgMagic 2006.