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Barry's
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Devolin Column
May 14, 2009
The Importance of Agricultural Fairs in Canada
Last month, the Canadian Association of Fairs and Exhibitions (C.A.F.E.) released an economic, social and educational impact study which shows that the combined economic impact of all the fairs/exhibitions in Canada is over $1 billion.
The study was made possible through funding provided by the federal Ministry of Agriculture, was taken during the summer of 2008, and looked at 20 fairs and exhibitions that varied in size from large, medium and small.
The figures show that out of 759 small fairs across Canada, the combined contribution to their local economies is $569 million and that over 90% of attendees believe the fair is an important local tradition.
For many people who grew up in rural Ontario, fairs are as much a part of fall as the kids going back to school after Labour Day.
I am proud to say that our riding boasts many traditional summer and fall fairs, each doing its part to raise awareness of Canadian agriculture for more than 100 years.
In our riding, Millbrook is the only community that holds their fair before summer, from June 11th to the 14th.
According to the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies, here is a list of more upcoming Fairs and Exhibitions across this riding:
Fenelon Falls Fair
August 7 to August 9
Wilberforce Fair
August 7 to August 8
Oakwood Fair
August 15
Haliburton Far
August 21 to August 23
Kinmount Fair
September 4 to September 6
Sunderland Fair
September 15 to September 16
Beaverton Fair
September 18 to September 20
Lindsay Central Exhibition
September 23 to September 27
Bobcaygeon Fair
October 1 to October 3
I recognize that many of these events continue today because of the hard work and dedication of many volunteers. For most of the year, fair and exhibition volunteers give freely their time, skills, creativity and energy for the benefit of people and communities – helping to make Canada one of the best places in the world in which to live.
The importance of volunteers and voluntary organizations to our quality of life cannot be overstated. I hope that all our community fairs and exhibitions continue for many years to come, and I’d like to say thank you to those who help make them such a success. See you at the fair!
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