For Submission
Wednesday, August 30, 2006

Agriculture and Rural Fairs

This is one of the most exciting times of the year for Rural Ontario as many communities are a flurry of activity, celebrating and looking forward to the Fall.

Once again it’s Fair Season. For those of us who have lived and worked in small communities, this is an annual season that celebrates the wonderful history and traditions, which are the hallmark of Rural Ontario.

Volunteers, it must be noted, are the backbone of what makes Fair Season in Ontario such a great success. These people play a vital role in what the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies refers to as “An ingrained part of Ontario’s culture.”

As a long-time member of the Kinmount Agricultural Fair Society, I have been privileged to work with so many local people who offer their time and talents, and create such a wonderful event every September.

The agriculture and rural communities in Ontario have been faced with ongoing hardships and challenges every day for the last number of years. Despite this, they continue to provide Ontarians with top quality goods, and are a fabulous example of hard work and determination. This is what close-knit communities throughout rural Ontario are all about.

If you have not yet had a chance to attend an Agricultural Fair this season, take the time to do so. Invite a friend from a nearby town or city and come see how Modern Tradition meets the Modern World.

A number of successful Fairs have already taken place. To those communities in Millbrook, Minden, Wilberforce, Fenelon Falls and Carden – my congratulations to you and your volunteers for another year of exciting events.

As your local representative at Queen’s Park, Fair Season provides the opportunity to meet so many of the hard-working people of this community. I look forward to seeing you at an upcoming Agricultural Fair.

Upcoming Events

Kinmount Fair (www.kinmountfair.ca)
Friday September 1 – Sunday September 3

Oakwood Fair - Mariposa Agricultural Society
Saturday September 9

Sunderland Agricultural Fall Fair (www.agfair.ca)
Tuesday September 12 – Wednesday September 13

Beaverton Agricultural Fair (www.beavertonfallfair.ca)
Friday September 15 – Sunday September 17

Lindsay Central Exhibition (www.lindsayex.com)
Wednesday September 20 – Sunday September 24

Bobcaygeon Agricultural Fair
Thursday September 28 – Saturday September 30