UK’s Garrard County Extension hosts 32nd Annual Tobacco Cutting Contest in Lancaster
September 6, 2013
By Michael Reaves
The 80-degree sunlight beat down on the bare backs of eight men Thursday as they hacked and spiked tall stalks of tobacco on a farm in Garrard County. Each man put their skills to the test as they competed for the No. 1 spot as top tobacco cutter.
Garrard County held its 32nd Annual Tobacco Cutting Contest in Lancaster, Ky., where residents gathered to watch eight-time winner Alvin Stamper pick up his ninth title after defeating Brad Bolton in an uphill battle against time and the elements.
Participants were judged based on time and the number of stalks for the grand prize of $500 and a plaque.
The event was hosted by UK’s Garrard County Extension top advisory committee. State Rep. Jonathan Shell (36th district), who was one of the judges, said the event is one of the biggest in the county.
“It unites all the people while letting us continue the traditions of our community,” he said.