The Beaver Valley Agricultural Society is on the lookout for a few good volunteers.
The 151st annual Beaver Valley Fall Fair will be taking place at the Beaver Valley Arena and Community Centre and at Moreau Park in Thornbury from Sept. 8 to 9, and will feature all things agricultural. As of now, president of the Beaver Valley Agricultural Society Serena Wilgress says they would like to add a few more volunteers to their roster before the big day.
“They don’t need to be for long durations; we’re just looking for people to come for a couple of hours to sit at one of our ticket booths and take admissions,” said Wilgress.
All manner of agricultural wares will be on display at the fair, from grain and hay to fruits and vegetables, handcrafts and livestock.
“We have a number of classes and competitions for all ages. People have the opportunity to win prizes and cash,” said Wilgress.
New this year, there will be a mini excavator challenge, a kids version of the regular mini excavator challenge as well as a Soper Creek Wildlife Exhibit.
Tom Bishop’s Wild West Show, taking place at three different times on Saturday, is also a new addition to the weekend roster.
“They’ll be putting on demonstrations using horses and roping,” she said.
A fan favourite returning from last year is a classic championship wrestling show on Friday night, and live music following the show.
“They were a huge hit last year. Everybody loved it, and the kids get super involved,” said Wilgress.
The fair will culminate on Saturday night in a roast beef dinner by Chef Chris Boland, with live music and beer garden.
The Beaver Valley Agricultural Society was formed in 1870, as the Collingwood Township Agricultural Society. The society is celebrating 151 years this year, as the event was put on pause for two years due to COVID-19.
Overall, Wilgress says celebrating the agricultural roots of rural communities is important.
“It’s really about educating the public. We’ve been around since 1870, but there’s been an influx of new people to our area, and it’s an opportunity for them all to come out and get an idea of what agriculture is all about,” said Wilgress. “It’s not just about apples – it’s about so much more.”
To sign up to volunteer, email the Beaver Valley Agricultural Society here.
For more information on the Beaver Valley Fall Fair including a full schedule of events, click here.
