The LSU AgCenter in partnership with the 4-H nonprofit is hosting “AgMagic,” an educational event at the Parker Coliseum. This interactive experience, designed to educate children about Louisiana agriculture and wildlife, expects to attract thousands over its weeklong run.
The event began March 18 and will last until March 24, with March 18-22 reserved for school groups visiting from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. and March 23-24 being open to the public from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Hannah Devall, an LSU instructor and 4-H youth development specialist, is the primary coordinator of the event. According to Devall, an estimated 10,000 people will visit the Parker Coliseum this week to explore the wonders of AgMagic.
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Various sections of the AgCenter contributed to the event, including groups specializing in entomology, forestry, plant pathology, horticulture, animal sciences and nutrition and community health. Different resources are donated or sourced locally to create a comprehensive experience.
“We all work together to put this on,” Devall said.
AgMagic relies heavily on volunteers to make it a success. “We recruit college kids as volunteers and then also some 4-H and FFA groups will send students as well,” Devall said, emphasizing the collaborative effort involved in organizing the event. These volunteers ensure visitors have a memorable and educational experience at AgMagic.
The event offers an array of interactive experiences that showcase the diverse wildlife Louisiana has to offer. Many exhibits feature live animals, such as alligators, baby chicks and even a dairy cow, which are all on-site for attendees to interact with and learn about.
“I really like that this is very hands-on and that students can actually get engaged,” said Elizabeth Norwood, a science teacher at St. Lillian Academy in Baton Rouge. “I also like that all this is about Louisiana; it helps them learn about where they’re from and all the things that are from Louisiana.”
Also featured at AgMagic are educational sessions led by the AgCenter nutrition and community health group. “Our nutrition and community health group through the AgCenter goes over and teaches them how everything they just learned about how it fits on a healthy plate and how to make a healthy meal at home,” Devall said. These sessions empower children to apply their newfound knowledge in creating nutritious meals promoting healthy habits beyond the event.
A goal of AgMagic is to have a lasting impact on attendees long after they leave. “We want them to be able to go back to the classroom and continue to implement science and agricultural literacy in their classrooms,” Devall said. The event hopes to inspire a new generation of agricultural advocates who understand the importance of agriculture by providing teachers and students with the knowledge to incorporate it into the classroom and their daily lives.
Local businesses and organizations also stand to gain from AgMagic, which has allowed them to display their agricultural and wildlife related products and services. Businesses from Wall’s Alligator Farm to Rouses Market all showcase what they have to offer all while encouraging youth to be curious about the world around them.
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AgMagic is not just an event, it’s an opportunity for children to explore, learn and be inspired by the wonders of agriculture, sowing seeds for a future generation of informed and engaged citizens who care about the environment and the food they eat by fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for Louisiana’s agricultural and wildlife heritage.
