The fourth annual Agtoberfest, a family-oriented event to teach the local community about the ever-changing fields of agriculture and natural resources, returns to Virginia Tech's Alphin-Stuart Livestock Teaching Arena on Saturday, Oct. 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Alpha Zeta, the honorary service fraternity of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the College of Natural Resources, is sponsoring Agtoberfest in partnership with Virginia 4-H. The event is free and open to the public.

“This event brings together many of the clubs in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the College of Natural Resources for one common goal,” said Kristin Wahlberg, Alpha Zeta president and senior human nutrition, foods, and exercise major. “It is a fun way to educate the public, but especially the kids, about the importance of agriculture and natural resources.”

Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about topics such as animal anatomy and Virginia’s agricultural products. Events include a farm-animal showcase, a horseback-riding demonstration, games, and arts and crafts for children.

Just prior to Agtoberfest, local 4-H agents, Virginia Tech faculty members, and Alpha Zeta members are also working together for the annual Junior Hokie Showcase, Oct. 14 through 17. Previously known as the Fourth Grade Agricultural Experience, the program brings more than 500 fourth-grade students from Virginia’s Pulaski, Giles, Floyd, and Montgomery Counties to the Alphin-Stuart Livestock Teaching Arena for structured activities similar to those at Agtoberfest. The Junior Hokie Showcase event teaches fourth graders about the importance of agriculture, enhances their agricultural literacy, and uses agriculture as a medium to teach the Standards of Learning for Virginia public schools.

The Virginia Chapter of Alpha Zeta is a professional, service, and honorary fraternity for men and women in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the College of Natural Resources at Virginia Tech. It is composed of student, alumni, associate, and honorary members who have been initiated by chartered chapters or alumni associations of the fraternity. In addition to fostering high standards of scholarship, character, leadership, and fellowship among its members, Alpha Zeta aims to promote the profession of agriculture and serve the students at Virginia Tech and the local community.

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