The Grenfell Ag. Society is safe for one more year.
Members of the Grenfell Ag. Society met at the library on Wednesday morning to discuss the future of the Society, and the fate of the annual Fall Fair.
Dwindling membership and fading interest forced the Ag. Society to consider disbandment; however its members were adamant about continuing on.
“It’s an agricultural community. It’s an agriculture town,” Vice-President Tammy Brooks said during the annual general meeting. “People need to get off their butts and get involved.”
Members unanimously decided that the Fall Fair should continue, but agreed that greater support during the event (setup, clean up etc.) is required.
There are only 10 members of the Ag. Society, and while a handful of new members joined the group following a public appeal, younger members are wanted.
Despite a sold-out Trade Show in 2012, last year’s adult component of the Fall Fair was cancelled due to a lack of interest and participation.
President Ruth Duryba suggested the Ag. Society arrange this year’s Fall Fair on a smaller scale.
People need to get off their butts and get involved. - Tammy Brooks, Grenfell Ag. Society vice president
“A lot of what is in the (judging) book is not relevant to our Society now,” she told the membership. “The downsized version of our kids’ program went really well last year. I’m wondering if we could do that with the adults.”
The Ag. Society agreed it would eliminate particular article categories which receive few entries, such as cereal grains and some ladies work.
While the Ag. Society was able to secure a handful of new members following a public appeal; the group will work toward elevating its public profile this year through events and community participation.
To become a member a minimal fee of $5 per year must be paid and a couple of entries (sewing, baking, crafting etc.) must be submitted into the Fall Fair.
In addition to the Fall Fair and Trade Show, the Grenfell Ag. Society supports the annual Quilt Show, Grade 12 Scholarship fund, the 4-H Club and Agribition school trips.
For more information or to become a member contact Duryba at 697-3206.
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