On Sunday, Liberty Lane Farm buzzed with the sounds of hooves, patriotic music and families gathering for Suffolk’s second annual Salute to Veterans Stall Crawl. The event, timed just before Veterans Day, was designed to honor men and women who have served the United States while giving residents a firsthand look at the city’s farming heritage.
Liberty Lane Farm owner Bryan Harris, who also serves as vice chair of the Suffolk Agricultural Advisory Committee, explained that the stall crawl serves a dual purpose. “It’s an opportunity to shine a light on veterans right in front of Veterans Day,” Harris said, “and at the same time pull folks in who may not be familiar with the farming and rural side of Suffolk.”
Sunny Days Farm joined the celebration, offering additional rides and demonstrations that let visitors experience Suffolk’s countryside. Throughout the day, volunteers provided resources for veterans, and riders performed patriotic horseback displays that blended tradition with community spirit.
Preserving Rural Land Amid Growth
Beyond the festivities, Harris used the occasion to stress the importance of protecting Suffolk’s agricultural lands. He noted that rapid development has already claimed portions of the city’s farmland. On Lake Kilby Road, city records show nearly 89 acres formerly used for farming were rezoned from Rural Estate to Residential Medium Density in 2023, allowing the construction of 204 single‑family homes. The Suffolk City Council approved the rezoning by a 5‑3 vote.
“Those growth opportunities are gobbling up, for lack of a better term, those rural lands and the production they support,” Harris said. He argued that events like the Stall Crawl help residents see the value of keeping farmland alive, fostering advocacy for responsible land use.
Community Impact
Local families responded enthusiastically, with many expressing a desire to learn more about horses and farming. “We encourage anyone in the area who wants to come out, learn more about horses,” Harris said. “We’d love to help connect those people, bring them out, get that exposure and help grow that base and support.”
The event also highlighted the city’s commitment to its veterans. Resources and information booths were set up to assist veterans with benefits, employment opportunities, and community services, reinforcing Suffolk’s dedication to those who have defended the nation.
Looking Ahead
As Suffolk continues to grow, the balance between development and preserving its agricultural identity remains a central conversation. Harris hopes that the Stall Crawl will become an annual touchstone, reminding residents of the city’s roots and encouraging stewardship of the land that has long sustained the community.
For those interested in future events or learning more about Suffolk’s farms, Harris invites the public to visit Liberty Lane Farm or contact the Suffolk Agricultural Advisory Committee.
Original reporting: WTKR News 3 (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
