Agriculture and commerce are inseparably linked in Cullman County, home to one of America’s most robust small-city industrial economies — as well as one of Alabama’s most productive per-capita farming counties overall.

For decades, the local business and agricultural communities have come together to celebrate the rich local culture yielded by Cullman County’s uniquely interdependent economy, hosting the annual Farm City Banquet in commemoration of the both contributing sides to the area’s economic life.

Themed each year to observe a distinctly different aspect of the relationships that bind the county’s agricultural and urban communities, this year’s Farm City Banquet will highlight Cullman County farmers “Cullman County Counts on Farmers,” the Farm City theme for 2024, acknowledges the vital role that area farmers play, according to the organizing committee, “in the community’s economy, culture, and daily life.”

The nonprofit Cullman County Farm City Committee, which organizes a year-long slate of events crowned by the annual banquet, endeavors to promote “understanding and cooperation between rural and urban residents,” according to the committee. “Through events and educational programs, the committee highlights the importance of agriculture, farmers, business, and economic development to the local community.”

“We are excited to bring the community together to celebrate our farmers, businesses and community and their invaluable contributions,” committee chair Oakleigh Calahan said in a press release. “This event is a wonderful opportunity to honor those who work tirelessly to provide for our community in many ways.”

Set for Thursday, Nov. 21 at Loft 212 in Cullman, the banquet’s festivities will kick off at 5 p.m. with a silent auction and entertainment, followed by the banquet dinner at 6 p.m. According to the committee, the event will feature live entertainment, a meal and a presentation updating attendees on agriculture education.

The banquet also offers an opportunity to recognize area student contest winners as well as Students of the Year, alongside the announcement and recognition of this year’s City Family of the Year. Selected by the Cullman County Farm City Committee from local candidates nominated for their community contributions and leadership, the honor alternates annually between a “Farm” or “City” family.

All proceeds from the silent auction will go to Cullman Caring for Kids, the Pilot Light Home, Curt’s Closet, and the Good Samaritan Health Clinic. Tickets for the banquet are $30 per person, and can be purchased in person at Citizens Bank and Trust branches in downtown Cullman or Alabama Highway 157, as well as online at givebutter.com/farm-city24.

For more information about this year’s Cullman County Farm City Banquet, contact organizers via email at cullmanfarmcity25@gmail.com.

Benjamin Bullard can be reached at bbullard@cullmantimes.com or 256-734-2131 ext. 234.