The first week of February is an exciting time in Colusa as it is time for the annual farm show. The Colusa Farm Show, which bills itself as “The Granddaddy of Farm Shows” is celebrating its 50^th show this year. I remember as a senior at Arbuckle’s Pierce High School visiting the first show in 1966 when it was known as the Sacramento Valley Orchard Machinery Fair.

The show benefits the community as it draws visitors not only from Northern California, but also throughout the state and more than a few out of state license plates were seen in the parking lot. It fills hotel rooms not only in the immediate area but in surrounding communities as well. Local restaurants operate many of the food concessions and there’s outstanding homemade pie from Our Lady of Loudres School. My parents were involved in the homemade pie concession benefiting 4-H during some of early shows. My complements to the school for carrying on this tradition.

In today’s world of the Internet and social media, the show fills an important need for people to connect on a personal basis. Also, it’s an opportunity to check outdoor and indoor displays of equipment and services up close. It is a special time for me to see old friends and make hopefully make a few new ones. In Colusa County there’s an excellent chance they are involved in the rice or almond industry.

The pedal tractors on display caught my eye for a unique photo opportunity. I approached a mom with a young boy wearing a John Deere hat and asked if I could take a photo. Turns out the young man is the great grandson of a local farmer I have known for many years and the grandson of one of my friends in Woodland. That the way things are in Colusa County, friends and friends you haven’t yet met