"They'll be eating high on the hog," as the often quoted southern axiom claims when some of the state's most prominent lawyers, business leaders, politicians and farmers share each other's company at a country ham breakfast at the Tennessee State Fair on September 14.
To be hosted by the Future Farmers of America, the inaugural event for the Fair, has gained "significant momentum" over the past two weeks or so, according to event organizer Chelsea Rose, Tennessee FFA Foundation executive director.
Rose explained that the breakfast is to benefit the FFA, a component of the high school agricultural education program in Tennessee. She noted that the event provides a unique opportunity for those in the business world to mix and mingle with leaders in agriculture and to do so for "a very good cause."
Proceeds received from the $25 per plate breakfast she said will be contributed to the FFA Foundation to help fund a number of programs that serve the organization's youth membership.
Already included among table sponsors and individual ticket holders for the breakfast are Nashville law firms, a number of banks representing several Middle Tennessee communities, a political consulting firm, business and community leaders from Putnam, Rutherford, Wilson, Sumner, Williamson and Maury counties, and many members of the state agricultural community from all three grand divisions of the Volunteer State.
While attendees at the breakfast can enjoy conversation and the taste of one of the state's most prized agricultural delicacies, Tennessee country ham, they will also have the opportunity to bid on the purchase of one of two State Fair Grand Champion Hams.
"The two country hams to be auctioned will undoubtedly represent the best of the best our state has to offer. They will have been designated State Fair Grand Champions from a collection of entries brought to the State Fair in Nashville from all across Tennessee.
"Placing the successful winning bid for one of the two hams will give someone bragging rights for owning a State Fair Grand Champion Country Ham and also the satisfaction that the proceeds from their purchase will serve to support youth who have made a commitment to an industry responsible for feeding America," Rose said.
Joe Scarlett, the retired chairman and CEO of the Tractor Supply Company, will be the keynote speaker for the breakfast. The scheduled one hour long event is to begin at 7:30 and be held in the Sports Arena at the State Fairgrounds.
To become a table sponsor for $250 or to purchase tickets to the breakfast call (931) 372 6050 or go to tnffafoundation@tnffa.org. Major sponsors of the event are Clifty Farms, Kroger's, the Tennessee State Fair and Tosh Farms.
The Tennessee State Fair, a tradition in Nashville for more than 150 years, will open a ten day run on Friday, September 11. Visit www.tnstatefair.org for more information.