Rutgers Agricultural Field Day

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Rutgers Agricultural Field Day is a farm-oriented event held at Rutgers University's Cook Campus in New Brunswick, NJ on the last Saturday of April. The event includes 4-H animal fairs, farm tours, plant sales, and department-specific exhibits (such as the entymology department's cockroach races). The event is also known for a history of BBQs and parties held by students, at which attendance peaked well over 20,000 people (Green Print, 1994 -- exact ref needed). It -- and the New Jersey Folk Festival on the adjoining Douglass campus -- still attract over 10,000 people annually. The next Ag Field Day will take place on April 25, 2009, as part of a larger Rutgers Day celebration.

[edit] History

Started in 1906, "Ag Field Day" began as a way for farmers to learn about the NJ Agricultural Experiment Station's studies. It expanded to lectures, demonstrations and tours in 1917, and was later embraced by students as a party focal-point. By the mid-90's, university administration scaled back the evening party atmosphere to decrease attendance by non-students and curb underage drinking. The event's day-time activities continue unabated, and are open to all.