The Garrard County Extension Service has sponsored a local tobacco cutting contest for 39 years. The contest is one of the communities' largest events of the year with over 400 people attending.  Tobacco production has declined dramaticaly since the buyout in the year 2000 but tobacco is still a major source of income for farmers in Garrard County. The Cutting Contest is an community effort supported by local businesses and individuals. The contest showcases the hard labor involved in harvesting tobacco.  Old and young people come to watch and gaze at the contestants while they cut their way across the tobacco patch.  The crowd consist of older farmers reminincing about the old days and non-farmers amazed at the hand labor it takes to put tobacco in the barn and many Hispanic workers that come to cheer on their favorite participant. The contest also is supported by the local health departments and the hospital. Individuals that attend the contest are also encouraged to take advantage of health screenings that are offered by the health care providers that set up at the contest. Farmers are notorious for not making regular visits to the doctor for routine heath checks. The contest is a way of bringing the health care to the farmer and Hispanic population. Attendees can get screened for skin cancer, blood sugar levels and receive flu shots. The providers report that there are a good number of farmers and Hispanics taking advantage of this oppurtunity to improve their health and want to continue this service to an under served audience.