Every year Pike County farmers, families and local residents come out to celebrate agriculture in the community at the annual Farm City Banquet sponsored by the Pike County Chamber of Commerce, but this year was a little different.

Sure, people still came in numbers, but the atmosphere spoke for itself—something was missing.

And with the death of four local farmers just this last year, Farm City members knew their lives had to be celebrated Thursday night.

“Doug Botts, David Carpenter, Sammy Carter and Toby Griffin provided services not only great to the agriculture community, but to the entire economic growth of our community,” read announcer Jim Rolling. “Their death this past year left a void that could not be filled.”

At the end of the usual Farm City awards, committee members presented each of these men’s families with a service award to Pike County.

“I don’t even have words to say,” said Monty Carter, receiving the award with her daughter Katie for her husband Sammy. “It is such an honor. My husband was a hard worker.”

Jewell Griffin said honor was all she felt, as she accepted the award for Toby, her husband of 60 years.

“I think he was deserving of it,” Griffin said. “He loved anything about Pike County.”

County Executive Director for the Pike-Bullock Farm Service Agency Jeff Knotts said this was the first time Farm City presented any award like this.

“Because of the circumstances that these people had, we thought it’d be a great way to recognize those individuals we appreciate them putting food on our tables,” Knotts said.

“They were all a big part of the community.”

Knotts said the Farm City Banquet, aside from the award, was a great success this year.

“We had a good turnout, and we always have a real good turnout, which goes to show everyone does appreciate what the farmers do for the community,” Knotts said.