We will be hosting a Poultry School in Haywood County on Saturday, May 16th, 2026 at Pisgah High School. This is a one-of-a-kind, hands-on experience in small-scale hatching and processing aimed towards homesteaders and small-scale farmers in Western North Carolina who are looking to learn and capitalize on increasing revenues on their farms.

You do not have to live in Haywood County to participate! Anyone in WNC is welcome to be a part of this Poultry School. On the same day, in downtown Canton, Mama T's Summer Celebration will be happening at Sorrells Park. This is a family-friendly event that is free with many activities and is located next to a splash pad. Also, next to the high school is the Canton Rec Park with all-abilities playground and river for fishing (or even snorkeling). Know that if you are from outside of Haywood County, we have a lot of things nearby that your family can participate in while you attend the Poultry School!

The agenda for the day-long event is below --- lunch is included with your registration fee. All participants will take home a processed chicken after our afternoon processing intensive (also included with the registration fee). Please dress accordingly and know that our entire set-up is able to handle rain or shine --- so the Poultry School will happen regardless of weather.

The registration fee is $50 per participant. Proceeds will benefit agriculture program needs at Pisgah High School.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, N.C. Cooperative Extension will honor requests for reasonable accommodations made by individuals with disabilities. Please direct accommodation requests to: Sally Dixon, srdixon@ncsu.edu, 828-456-3575. Requests can be served more effectively if notice is provided at least 10 days before the event.

N.C. Cooperative Extension prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy), disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, political affiliation, and veteran status.

Mama T's Family Celebration will be held in Sorrells Park in Canton on Saturday, May 16th. This is a free, family-focused event that seeks to bring joy to children. This will be from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Sorrells Park also features a splash pad! It is about one mile from the high school.

The Canton Recreation Park is about 1/4 mile from the high school. The park features a river greenway trail to walk, an all-abilities playground, and basketball/pickleball courts.

Downtown Canton features several local eateries and an eclectic mix of small shops, including a used book store, soap shop, retro gamer's paradise, furniture stores, and clothing boutiques.