The Castor & District Agricultural Society had a very busy 2017 starting out in February by sponsoring three delegates to attend the AAAS Convention in Edmonton.
Farmer’s Market organizers held 10 markets from March to December with the noon lunches averaging 90 – 125 people. Lea Logan will be taking over as co-ordinator. Thanks goes to Marilyn Norton for her past years as co-ordinator. Kelsey Seth is the manager for the markets.
A work bee was held in June. Glen and Connie Gibson have repaired 36 broken chairs and will continue to repair more this winter.
The rodeo held a one-day event June 23. There were more entries and the weather co-operated.
The fair was held Aug. 11 – 12 with a one and a half day event. Approximately 220 people attended the free pancake breakfast sponsored by the Ag Society. Entries at the fair were down but attendance was up.
A farm safety display and educational booths were set up in the curling rink during the fair and approximately 100 people attended with 40 prizes given out.
In September, the Ag Society awarded $500 scholarships to 11 graduates.
The janitor for the community hall resigned in September and Don Sisson was hired as the new janitor.
A new convection oven donated by Castor IODE was installed in the kitchen. This oven has been well used since the installation.
A raffle was held with the draw make on Dec. 7 at the Farmer’s Market. The proceeds went towards our debenture payment to the Town of Castor. The payment for 2017 was approximately $22,403 with $156,039 left owing.
Donations can be made to the Castor & District Agricultural Society, Box 1002, Castor, Ab. T0C 0X0. A tax deductible receipt will be issued for the donation.
The roof of the hall is in need of repairs because of all the high winds causing loose shingles.
The Ag Society has received word that the Alberta Government grant funding that we have received each year may be discontinued. If this actually happens it will be a real hardship for the Ago Society to pay the operating costs. The utility bills are enormous and we would be unable to put on some of our programs.
The annual meeting was held Jan. 4, 2018 with a Volunteer Appreciation Supper followed by the meeting.
Happy New Year and all the best in 2018.
by Helen Pickles
