BAY MINETTE, Ala. — One of the many features planned for Bicentennial Park is an 1840’s Farm Exhibit. Although the buildings have not gone in yet, staff at the park has been planting a variety of crops in order to keep the fields active.

Operating with donated seed, various fields are planted throughout the spring and summer. This week, the most recent crop of red potato’s was harvested and donated to the Prodisee Pantry Food Bank in Spanish Fort, which offers assistance to families facing a variety of hardships by supplying food.

“The main focus of growing crops at Bicentennial Park Farm is to educate visitors on subsistence farming in the mid to late 19th century,” according to park director Nick Warren. “However, it also allows the Baldwin County Commission and the park staff the opportunity to add another layer of benefit to running the farm by helping some of our citizens that may be in need.

“The potato crop was less than we had hoped for due to the drought conditions but we were most happy to get some fresh produce to donate. We are planning for a crop of corn later in the season as well as peas and some other vegetables.”

Warren said he anticipates all fields will be in operation and more fresh food will be donated to food banks.

Food Banks like Prodisee Pantry in Spanish Fort are hard hit by the poor economy and increasing needs to assist families, he said.

Deann Servos, executive director of Prodisee Pantry, said Wednesday that donations of fresh produce help provide healthy foods for growing numbers of families in need.

In April 2010, the agency provided fresh, frozen and staple groceries to 578 Baldwin County families. In April 2011, 817 families were served, a 30 percent increase. She said 4,000 families have sought help this year.

“Many of our families are awaiting claims from the oil spill or are suffering due to the trickle effects of the economic impact of the spill,” she said.

“The recent Bicentennial Park donation of new, red potatoes is a treat for families who rely on the kindness of others to feed their families.

“Often, gardners with green thumbs have an abundance of squash, tomatoes, cucumbers and more. We will graciously accept these on Monday and Tuesday mornings to share with families who come in for food, information and encouragement.”

Servos said resources are being directed to tornado victims, and the hurricane season is looming.

“We have to seek out new, creative ways to assist families in need,” she said.

Prodisee is open to receive donations on Mondays from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Tuesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Call the agency at (251) 626-1720 to alert them before dropping off donations. For more information, call or visit prodiseepantry.org.

In other happenings at Bicentennial Park, the recent Old Time Farm Days drew about 2,000 visitors with plenty of entertainment ranging from tractor demonstrations to mule demonstrations, animal exhibits and live music.

Last weekend, the park hosted a fund raiser for the War on Terror Monument that will be dedicated on Sept. 11 to commemorate the 10th anniversary of 9-11.

According to several visitors, the Wildlife at the Park cooperated for the event, giving opportunities for viewing of wild turkeys, deer and alligators, Warren said. The Friends of the Park will be hosting an event at Paint and Pals on June 17 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Admission is $40 with proceeds going to support the War on Terror Monument.

“This is a great way to support Bicentennial Park as well as honoring our servicemen who have answered the call and given so much of themselves in our defense ” said Cathy Welch-Warren, a member of the Friends of Bicentennial Park and Chairperson for the War on Terror Monument Project.

“The Paint and Pals event will offer participants the ability to learn to paint and they get to keep the picture they paint. Participants will also be treated to desert, beverage and door prizes. For more information, call Bicentennial Park at (251) 580-1826.