So on October 4, 2025, the Union County Heritage Festival is giving a nod to our agricultural heritage with the theme, “Plowing the fields”. Let's hop on Carl's tractor and tour Wilson Park. At the entrance, take a selfie with Smokey and drill into a log to guess its age. Inspect the Antique cars and pick up a copy of Historic Union County Newspaper. Inside HUC is the program map to guide our tour. Pause for the parade led by the UCHS NJROTC and featuring Commissioner Sidney Jessee, Sister Lou, Grandpa Jack, Cousin Wayne, and Cousin Jed riding in an antique carriage pulled by a stately black beauty Friesian horse. Follow the parade to the Emily Link Gazebo for the opening ceremonies. Arnold Smallin has the Veterans ready to lead the pledge followed by our National Anthem. After Commissioner Jessee's welcome, follow him up the hill to pet some cute little piglets at the Petting Zoo near Veteran's Place. While there, get a pothook made by the blacksmith, spin some wool, observe the fine stitches of piece quilting, and purchase a brand new hand stamped leather belt. Stop and let the kids ride the train and jump around the bounce house.

Then descend the hill, grab a hunk of warm buttery cornbread freshly made by the 4H and view all of the agriculture exhibits. Have Carl pause the tractor long enough to watch the Union County Line Dancers and note that Headliner Wild Blue Yonder Band performs at 1:30. Catch the tribute to D. Marie Rhyne and Frank Grizzell starting at 11:30. Next, hop back up on the tractor, and edge over to sample one of Nanny's fried pies and wash it down with some fresh squeezed lemonade. Watch some people who are toting beans and cornbread or steaming bowls of chicken n' dumplins. Make a note to take home a hamburger, hotdog, or barbecue and ribbon fries. Observe a child with a sugar laden funnel cake trots by us. Cool off with a chocolate ice cream from Sticks and Scoops while Carl spins through vendors offering a multitude of crafts on the way to hear Brenda Beeler at the Country Gospel Tent. Altogether ten bands perform country, gospel, Irish, and bluegrass on two stages.

Return to the entrance where Carl pulls his tractor back with the others. Take a look at the antique tractors and try to ride the tandem bicycle built for two. Next board the big yellow school bus masquerading as a free shuttle, and John R wheels over to view the Gourdzilla Pumpkin, the Hulk Watermelon , and the ugliest vegetable at the Farmers Market. Reboard the shuttle to travel to the Union County Museum and marvel at the patterns at the Quilt Show. Afterwards, roll down to the Snodderly House to be amazed at the talented photography, paintings, woodcarving, fabric art and pottery at the Art Show.

At Wilson Park, scurry to Booth 64 to pay $20 for the Collectible Print. Pick up a big orange pumpkin and two giant mums from Little Valley Nursery. Get a candy bar and drink from the Lion's Club. Whoops, one last look is a must at the cornmill for some fresh ground meal for Sunday cornbread. Pause to recollect that the food, the crafts, the instruments, and most of the day's activities were made possible by farmers plowing the fields or seeding the land. What a memorable day!