By Maggie Edwards 

Years of work came to fruition in September as Blount County citizens celebrated a new Multi-Purpose Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. 

Rodeos, fairs, livestock shows and private events are set to fill the red barn. The Multi-Purpose Center is true to its name and will house Blount County Extension, Blount County Economic Development Council and Tourism Office, and the Blount County Advanced Ag Academy.

It’s an all-encompassing facility, said Blount County Extension Coordinator Amy Burgess. 

“This is a place where people can learn about agriculture, see it in action and practice it,” said Burgess, a Blount County Farmers Federation (BCFF) board member. “This should shine a light on how important ag is in the county and north Alabama. We expect this center to have regional reach. We hope this showcases all the different opportunities related to agriculture.” 

Generous donors like the BCFF, Alabama Farmers Federation and HomeTown Bank helped boost the building process. BCFF President Jeff Maze said he was pleased with BCFF board members’ decision to donate.

“We wanted to be a part of this because this Multi-Purpose Center is for our county,” Maze said. “We’re grateful to be a kitchen sponsor. This space will serve Federation members for years to come.”

The demonstration kitchen will pay dividends for Burgess and the Blount County Extension team, too.

“Having teaching facilities on site will help us keep our programs in one place,” Burgess said. “Participants will know where to look for our events. We’re hopeful this will allow us to host more workshops.” 

The 30-acre site will open a world of opportunities, Burgess said. That includes pilot programs such as the Advanced Ag Academy.

Students will be bussed to the center from respective high schools and will be taught by Van Alldredge. The academy includes a learning barn with pens and wash racks for small and large livestock. Students can keep FFA and 4-H project animals on site, too.

Maze said the Multi-Purpose Center will encourage FFA and 4-H collaboration.

“It’s a partnership,” he said. “From horticulture to livestock, we are equipped to teach students about agriculture and the opportunities to be involved with the industry.”

Legislators and community leaders like Blount County Commission Chairman Judge Chris Green were instrumental in the complex’s success.

“This is the result of hard work from a lot of people,” said Green, who had the original vision for the center. “We broke ground for this in 2022, but it started years ago. This project has the ability to benefit the most people possible.”