Huge Community Turnout at New Gateway Center Leads UACCB to Announce Harvest at the Farm Will Become an Annual Tradition
What began as a community celebration of agriculture, education and the fall season has turned into the beginning of a new annual tradition in Batesville.
More than 1,000 community members attended the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville’s inaugural Harvest at the Farm on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at the college’s new Gateway Center.
The free, family-friendly event attracted visitors from across North Central Arkansas for a morning filled with fall activities, food, agricultural demonstrations and opportunities to learn more about UACCB’s expanding agricultural education programs.
The tremendous turnout exceeded the threshold of 1,000 attendees and prompted college officials to announce that Harvest at the Farm will become an annual community event.
The next Harvest at the Farm is already scheduled for Saturday, October 16, 2027.
More Than 1,000 Turn Out for 1st Harvest at the Farm
Families from Batesville and surrounding communities gathered at the college’s new Gateway Center to enjoy a wide variety of free activities.
The event offered visitors an opportunity to experience an old-fashioned fall celebration while discovering the educational opportunities available through UACCB’s agricultural programs.
Activities included:
- Hayrides
- Barrel train rides
- A petting zoo
- Antique tractor displays
- Children’s activities
- Complimentary hamburgers
- Complimentary hot dogs
- Pumpkins and mums grown by UACCB students
The activities created an opportunity for children and adults to spend time together while exploring the college campus and learning about agriculture.
With more than 1,000 people participating, the 1st Harvest at the Farm attracted a significant community turnout.
UACCB Agriculture Students Showcase Their Hard Work
A highlight of the event was the participation of students enrolled in the Bank of Cave City Farm and Ranch Management program.
Students offered pumpkins and mums grown at the UACCB Farm for sale during the celebration.
The student-grown products provided a visible demonstration of the practical agricultural skills students have developed throughout the semester.
Visitors were able to see the results of the students’ work while learning more about the college’s agricultural education opportunities.
The hands-on experience is an important part of UACCB’s Farm and Ranch Management program, which connects classroom instruction with agricultural practices.
Harvest at the Farm gave participating students an opportunity to share their accomplishments directly with members of the community.
It also helped demonstrate how the college’s agricultural programs contribute to workforce education and the region’s farming heritage.
New Gateway Center Provides Setting for Community Celebration
The inaugural Harvest at the Farm was held at UACCB’s new Gateway Center.
The event introduced many visitors to the facility while bringing families together for a morning of seasonal activities.
The celebration was designed to strengthen connections between the college and the surrounding communities it serves.
In addition to enjoying the entertainment and food, guests had opportunities to interact with students and learn about the work taking place at the UACCB Farm.
College officials said the community’s response demonstrated the importance of events that connect education, agriculture and family activities.
UACCB Chancellor Brian Shonk Celebrates Outstanding Response
UACCB Chancellor Brian Shonk expressed appreciation for the community’s strong participation and the contributions of students, employees and volunteers.
“Seeing more than 1,000 people come together for Harvest at the Farm was a wonderful reminder of the connection between UACCB and the communities we serve,” Shonk said.
“We are especially proud of our students, who had the opportunity to share the results of their hard work with the community. The tremendous response to this event has encouraged us to make Harvest at the Farm an annual tradition, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back next year.”
The chancellor’s announcement confirms that the event will continue beyond its successful inaugural year.
Local Businesses and Organizations Help Make Event Possible
UACCB credited the generous support of area businesses and organizations for helping make the inaugural Harvest at the Farm possible.
The college recognized several sponsors whose contributions supported the free community celebration.
Presenting sponsor: Bank of Cave City
Silver sponsor: Merchants and Planters Bank
Bronze sponsors:
- Citizens Bank
- White River Health
- Bad Boy Mowers
- Econo-Mart Pharmacy
- Ballistic Specialties
- Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches
College officials also thanked UACCB faculty, staff, students, volunteers and community members who contributed their time and efforts to the event.
Their participation helped provide a free celebration for families from across the region.
Harvest at the Farm Will Return October 16, 2027
Following the overwhelming response to the 1st event, the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville has officially announced that Harvest at the Farm will become an annual tradition.
The next celebration is scheduled for:
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2027
UACCB plans to welcome families and community members back for another opportunity to enjoy fall festivities and discover the work taking place through its agricultural programs.
Additional details about the 2027 celebration, including activities and event times, have not yet been announced.
The college’s decision to continue Harvest at the Farm reflects the enthusiastic response to the 1st celebration and the importance of connecting students, education and the surrounding community.
UACCB Continues Serving North Central Arkansas
The University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville is a comprehensive 2-year college serving students throughout North Central Arkansas.
UACCB offers affordable transfer programs, technical training and career education designed to prepare students for employment or additional college coursework.
Students can complete the 1st 2 years of a bachelor’s degree, pursue select bachelor’s degrees on campus through university partnerships or earn credentials in career and technical fields.
Programs include agriculture, industrial maintenance, nursing, welding and other workforce training opportunities.
The college’s Farm and Ranch Management program provides hands-on agricultural education, including opportunities for students to apply classroom knowledge through activities at the UACCB Farm.
The success of the inaugural Harvest at the Farm highlighted those educational opportunities while bringing more than 1,000 people together for a community celebration.
For more information about UACCB and its programs, call 870-612-2000 or visit uaccb.edu.
SOURCE: University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville news release, October 2026.
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