The Almonte Fair Board has some exciting news
As a third-generation member of the North Lanark Agricultural Society Board of Directors, I’m aware of the history of the Society and what it’s contributed to the community in the last 159 years. Over the years, our grounds featured many buildings; some are gone, others displaced, and some still standing.
The oldest building still standing 152 years later is the Agricultural Hall. The original hall was built in 1865 and in 1868 due to heavy snow the roof collapsed. In 1869 the present Agricultural Hall was rebuilt. Over the years, the Agricultural Hall has undergone numerous repairs including refurbishing the front, the roof and relocation of the bathrooms.
The Ag Hall in 2013 (Millstone photo)
During the open season (May to October) the Agricultural Hall is used for many events such as weddings, dances, craft and artisan markets. The grounds host many major events yearly, such as the Flea Market, Bus Fusion, Almonte Fair, Car Toot Bingo and many more entertaining activities.
For Canada’s 150th birthday, the Ontario Trillium Foundation offered a grant to help keep Canadian heritage strong. In 2016, the Board applied for this grant towards repairs to the exterior of the Agricultural Hall. Just prior to Christmas we received exciting news that we were successful and had been awarded the funds needed to complete the project.
A condition of the grant requires us to match a third of the funds, which we have done.
With fundraising through the past few years we are now happy to report that all the money we raised and all the money that was kindly donated will be put to great use!
A huge thank you to everyone who has supported us for this major project. The Agricultural Hall will finally be restored to its beauty, leaks will be fixed, windows replaced and balcony refreshed.
As we continue to fundraise for ongoing improvements in the Agricultural Hall and on the grounds, we hope that you will continue to support us. Some of our upcoming events are Almonte Ladies Night, May 12, Truck and Tractor Pull, May 27 and the Spring Dance, June 3. These and more events will help us provide a venue for future events and memories.
For further information please go to our website www.almontefair.ca.
Cathy Gayton
