Arizona in the Saddle | Page 17

Photo courtesy of Christine Wilkey, equine-assisted-therapy.blogspot.com Ever Went to a Feed Store? By Amira Chow I t feels just like yesterday as I remember my family driving down the suburbs of an old valley. A very rough storm was on it’s way and we were in search for any possible gas stations, restaurants,or cafe for shelter but nothing came on our sight. The clouds were slowly getting resentful and we were still in the middle of an empty desert, until we came across an old family owned feed store. My dad stopped the car and we hurried out. The second we vacated, I looked at the sign with a puzzled expression. Instantly I turned towards my father and questioned “Dad, what is a Feed store?” Till this day, I still remember the admirable way my dad had explained to me the traditions, cultures, and bonds attached to a feed store and it’s importance in society. Nowadays, most people aren’t usually familiar with the term “Feed stores”, and many doesn’t even know what they are. From the very beginning, feed stores were always a family owned and operated business where farmers, ranchers and dwellers often socialized and shared information with each other. Generations after generations, family members walks through the same doors taking care of their family name and brand. Feed stores weren’t just only a place where food for pets and hay for horses was available, but each section of it’s body is a part of history and artifact itself. These days, if you are low on your pet supplies, you will usually make a quick stop to Walmart, PetSmart or any local grocery store or supermarket nearby. And because of these popular branded shops and pet stores, Feed stores are highly being affected. Day by day, less people visits these stores and therefor, hundreds of feed stores which ran for more than sixty years are being forced to shut down each year. Most people don’t realize this, but feed stores always has it’s heartily- pure essence of farm and agriculture attached to it for welcoming guests. It’s products and goods are always 100% original and straight from the farms so you can receive the best quality you deserve. Feed stores not only satisfies you, but it equally pleases your animals like cattles, cow and others. And not only is it beneficial for you and your pets, but it links your neighbors in a web of social relationships, ensures the importance of the decisions made for the store by the local people, and has a much broader and unique choice of products available for you. It also intacts the wonderful memories of the community within. So the next time you drive by an old feed store or come across it on your way, stop by for a moment to glimpse at the authentic American part of history, and meet with the people behind it. And who knows, you might even find out a little about your family history yourself! THE FINEST MEXICAN DINING IN SCOTTSDALE Unlimited $1 Mimosas on Sat & Sun when you purchase 1 breakfast item. Erin Rae Smith Owner/Trainer American Saddlebred Training, Lessons and Sales 480-239-5348 AZintheSaddle.com Happy Hour Mon–Sat 3pm–6pm Food & Drink Specials! Margaritas ONLY $1.50 1pm–3pm Mon–Sat Bring in this ad for $5.00 OFF your bill $25.00 bill minimum. Excludes alcohol. Expires 4/30/14. 32527 N. SCOTTSDALE RD., SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85266 (480) 488-7439 Monday–Thursday: 11am-9pm • Friday: 11am-10pm Saturday: 10am-10pm • Sunday: 10am-9pm www.HaciendasMexicanGrill.com April 2014 17