Fun, Farming and Business

Charles had initiated a carrot and turnip race which had become a popular international agricultural attraction Extra fields of the vegetables were grown to create sufficient produce for the race. Wines were being created from the vegetables as well as health drinks. Farmers’ wives found extra income from the huge influx of visitors, who put the hospitality industry on weekend overload. In a Province whose agricultural products were more expensive than those of their international agricultural competitors Charles had created a fresh market for the farmers. This was especially true as green vegetables became more fashionable ousting the carrot and turnip farmers from the supermarkets.

All competitors were required to purchase a cartload full of the vegetables and the difference between the weight on the cart at the beginning and end of the race contributed to determining the winner. Other cities joined sponsors their own competitors. It increased tourism and many settlements sought the victor’s crown as well as individual locals and visitors. This year a famous Olympic rider was appearing in all the advertising and Public Relations for the competition. The Hawkes family were starting the race and retired General Ranulf Hawke was helping to judge the competitors. For once the Angarams family were in the background. For weeks before wheelwrights, blacksmiths and cart builders had been in heavy demand preparing for the race. Extra stabling was readied for the donkeys and horses that pulled the carts. The comical race had become a growth industry. Extra feed supply for the animals and extra veterinarians were on hand. Food successfully arriving at the finish line was donated to food banks.

A beer tent was erected at both ends of the race and crafts were touted by foot peddlers and stall holders throughout the community. After the race, parties, dances and some fistfights were the norm. Tents sprouted in fields and the smell of fresh carrots, turnips and horse droppings were everywhere. The mess on the roads was slippery and caused a few traffic accidents as well as attracting wildlife. Casual employees had to be hired to clan up the mess. The clean crushed and bruised vegetables went to Crown lands where the wild life could feast in protected zones. The balance went to mulch and it was said that the Riverend carrots produced some of the best eyesight in the nation for humans and animals alike. The hunters’ claimed that their abilities were stretched to the limit in the lands around Riverend. This caused growth in a hunting industry. A demand grew up for lodges and new camps from overseas hunters who heard legends of the great Riverend chase.

Although the smell lingered for months, many said it was better than the farmers muck spreading, or the hash that had previously lingered. Charles Cooper had a winner from his investment in this business. Local farmers, large and small encouraged him. Charles’ was a local hero.