Where in Valdosta can you handle live butterflies, play Spanish bingo and learn to save lives all in an afternoon? Nearly 5,000 people did just that Saturday at HarvestEd, a community-wide event hosted by Valdosta Technical College to provide fun and education for the entire family while showcasing their many programs.

“It’s tremendous to see so many young people in our community come out to participate in the hands-on programs we offer; that’s what’s really important.” said Tina Anderson, interim president of Valdosta Technical College. “Taxpayers have the opportunity to see their programs and buildings that they paid for, it’s all theirs, all for them.”

While the Val Tech classrooms were packed with people learning about everything from cosmetology and computers to auto-mechanics, many took advantage of the beautiful autumn day and headed outside to participate in the many demonstrations and enjoy live entertainment provided by local schools, bands and community groups.

One of the day’s most popular attractions was the butterfly release held outside the Environmental Horticulture Department. A lucky yet hesitant participant, 13-year-old Noe Mathews, got up close and personal with a butterfly after a handler placed a fluttering monarch on her cheek to give her a real butterfly kiss.

“It was kind of scary at first but it tickled when it was on my face” said Mathews.

Folks also learned about the various species and developmental stages of a butterfly from Dan Greathouse, owner of Greathouse Butterflies Inc., provider of the 75 butterflies that were hand-released by HarvestEd attendees throughout the day.

The event proved both fun and educational as the Val Tech staff and partners offered helpful instructions in safety and health that will benefit families for years to come. There were presentations on CPR and the Heimlich maneuver as well as useful tips in massage therapy and dental care.

Kids rollicked around the bounce house attractions and showed off their creative talents while painting pumpkins in the pumpkin patch and building wooden turkeys courtesy of Lowe’s. Attendees viewed an impressive display of more than 100 beautifully restored vehicles from a 1937 Jaguar to souped-up muscle cars during the South Georgia Classic Car Club Show.

HarvestEd provided a full day of fun and education that proved to be a big hit for the entire family. For Tracy Hoskinson, a newcomer to Valdosta, the event was a good way to spend time with loved ones while learning about her new community.

“We came out because of all the activities. We love it all; it’s been fun for the whole family.”