Jeanne and Skip Jackson were recognized and honored for their outstanding dedication to community service. Representatives from the Candor Community Services Corporation presented the Jackson’s with the 2016 “Candor Citizens of the Year” award. (Photos by JoAnn R. Walter)
Jeanne and Skip Jackson pose with a cake made to accompany a celebration in honor of their outstanding dedication to community service. The Jackson’s received the 2016 “Candor Citizens of the Year” award. The cake is decorated with a black kettle in recognition of their business, Iron Kettle Farm, which is now operated in partnership with their three children.
Skip and Jeanne Jackson pose with their children and grandchildren inside the Candor Fire Station hall on April 24. The Jackson’s were recognized and honored as “Candor Citizens of the Year.”
Friends and family of Skip and Jeanne Jackson gathered at the Candor Fire Station on Sunday, April 24 to recognize and honor the couple for their outstanding dedication to community service. Representatives from the Candor Community Services Corporation presented the Jackson’s with the 2016 “Candor Citizens of the Year” award, an award which has been given annually since 1988.
The Jackson’s purchased their Iron Kettle Farm property in 1969, located at 707 Owego Rd. in Candor, N.Y. The fall season continues to attract thousands of visitors to the farm for the annual pumpkin farm activities, and the business, now a family partnership with the Jackson’s three children, is also a non-stop operation throughout the year. From bedding plants, hanging baskets and perennials to roadside market vegetables and other items, along with Grandma’s Barn gift shop, Iron Kettle Farm has been a mainstay in the community for decades.
Mel Foster, president of the Candor Community Services Corporation, shared, “The Jackson’s have a heart for this community and their influence goes beyond the main business.”
Foster explained that the “Citizens of the Year” award was not only to recognize the Jackson’s for their Iron Kettle Farm success, but also to acknowledge their participation in other activities, such as the annual spring rogation service, which this year will gather individuals together at the farm on May 15 to celebrate the blessing of the animals and crops. Also acknowledged was Skip’s involvement with the 4H tractor safety course, as well as the Jackson’s ongoing support of several non-profit organizations.
Foster read a few verses from a poem written in the late 1800’s by American writer and poet James Whitcomb Riley, which sparks the reader to recall fond memories about farms.
Foster shared, “One of the things that Iron Kettle Farm does for the community is makes our agricultural roots present to people who are no longer farmers, and reminds us that we have an agricultural inheritance.”
Foster also read aloud a letter from Candor Town Supervisor Bob Riggs, who was unable to attend the award ceremony.
In the letter Riggs shared several thoughts, including, “Skip and Jeanne built this awesome family enterprise by hard work, creativity and determination. They are pioneers in agritourism even before the term agritourism was invented. A source of inspiration, they have touched not only Candor, but the entire community and region.”
In addition, the Jackson’s were also recognized for their efforts in extending employment opportunities to many young people throughout the years, along with providing entertainment and fond memories to thousands of people. Family and friends were also invited to share stories and memories.
The 2016 season at Iron Kettle Farm began on April 29. For more information, call (607) 659-7707, find Iron Kettle Farm on Facebook or visit their website, ironkettlefarm.com.
To learn more about the Candor Community Services Corporation, visit their Facebook page or call (607) 659-4785.
