In keeping with a local tradition that goes back many years, the first bale of cotton of the season was celebrated Monday in Centre.

The cotton was picked on October the 9th by local farmer Roy Reese and was ginned on October the 15th at Cherokee Gin and Cotton Company, owned by George Jordan and Lindsey Brother’s Inc.

State Representative and gin owner Richard Lindsey following the unveiling of the 500-pound bale of cotton.

Meanwhile, Reese said he was honored to be a part of the occasion for more than one reason.

Reese has been a farmer for more than 30-years, following in the footsteps of his father, who was also a farmer.