Hot air balloons at the First Fruits Farm ...

This past Memorial Day weekend was a pretty special one as there was a big shindig at the First Fruits Farm.  Hot air balloons, some military displays (helicopters and sky divers), and two USO-type shows. As I mentioned, the event took place at a place called The First Fruits Farm, and if you do not know the story behind this farm and its owners (Jason and Tay Brown), it is a good story.  Jason grew up in Henderson, NC which is not far from where we live.  He played football for the University of North Carolina and was taken in the fourth round of the NFL draft by the Baltimore Ravens as a center and signed a $37.5 million dollar contract making him the highest paid center in the league. He signed subsequent free agent contracts but then gave it all up to become a farmer back in his native NC. He owns a 1,000 acre farm and raises a variety of crops, most of which he gives away to food banks and needy people.  He did this because God told him to do it. Read his story at Jason Brown and First Fruits Farm.

So, back to the weekend's activities. 

There were lots of food trucks, craftsmen, antique tractors and power equipment, live entertainment, military attractions, and rides around the farm grounds.  This is one big farm.

 

These are just a sampling of the balloons there that weekend.  They had rides and a "glow" in the evenings.  I liked the one of "Joe Cool" and the Bald Eagle. The Jester balloon was really unique. One of the Army sky divers had a wing that was sponsored by the Wreaths Across America program while the other paratrooper had the various service flags hanging below him on the jump.

And then there was the live entertainment.  As I said, there were two USO-type shows.  They were both pretty good, but the one I was able to get a picture with was the group of ladies called the "Bombshells." Don't know why they would have been named that. Hmmmm........

Ok. Ok. They were just taking pity on an old Soldier.  At least none of them asked me if I was in WWII.

There were fireworks at night and lots of good food throughout the day. We really enjoyed the day and were glad to get to know the story behind Jason Brown and the farm. It was a very nice Memorial Day celebration, and it was especially good to see so many people out to celebrate and remember our Veterans who paid a heavy price for us.

“And I’m proud to be an American, where at least I know I’m free. And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.” (Lee Greenwood)

Hooah