There are major decisions to be made at the Annual meeting of the North Lanark District Society to be held on Wednesday, Nov.18 at 7:30 pm at the boardroom of the Almonte General Hospital. Not only will there be an election of Board of Directors who produce the Almonte Fair every year since 1858, but changes in the days the fair are held will be voted on. Since the fair was forced to move from September to July 10 years ago, due to the cancellation of the midway the previous week, there have often been comments made about wishing we were back in September because it is too hot in July for showing animals. One option is to have a 2 day fair with a midway in July and a 1 day fall festival the second Saturday in September without a midway. Anyone who had paid the $5 membership by the end of September, 2015 (if you won prize money in 2014, it would have been deducted) is eligible to vote at the annual meeting so come out and participate.
The Gofundme campaign to renovate the Ag hall is growing slowly with a generous donation of $1500 from the Hub and recently a $2000 donation from the Pakenham Square Dance Club which has closed down due to lack of attendance at their dances as their members grow older .The fairboard is greatful the Ag Hall fund was chosen as a final resting place for the balance of their funds.
This year the flat top of the roof was replaced at a cost of $13,000 but there still is rot on the outside of the front walls and the back walls have problems too. It is an understatement to say an old heritage building needs ongoing work!
The Harvest Hoedown held on a cool evening the first weekend in October was a new event featuring Jed the Mechanical Bull along with a country band but it proved to be a success with a good cross section of ages attending.Thanks to Zoe Laframboise who rode the bull many extra times when people paid for it to happen.
The Festivals Consortium coordinated by Kathryn Stevens has been meeting all year sharing ideas and resources,.As part of the grant Mississippi Mills received to offer the contract to Kathryn, a fundraising event is to be held. A Variety Show titled “Live from Missisippi Mills”will be held on Saturday, Jan.16, 2016 in the Old Town Hall Auditorium. It is shaping up to be an exciting evening showcasing talent from all our festivals. The Homecraft women of the fair have agreed to provide pie and beverages for refreshments and for our contribution to the program we’re looking for country talent.
We are fortunate to have some younger directors join last year and they have brought new ideas to the board but it would be even better to have some more join this year. We are still seeking a treasurer which is one of the two paid positions.
Next year the theme is “Ag Days on the Mississippi” so that is general enough to cover any changes that might be made. Since the Car Toot Bingo is our best fundraiser , maybe even BINGO in the hall could be a new idea. Ideas can be sent to the website –www.almontefair.ca to any of the Executive listed in the Contact Us section.
