Our Kennedy family has been involved with the Ilderton fair since before 1920.
 

In the 70’s the parade was the highlight for us. The kids often won the best costume, and best dressed pony and rider classes.  We also participated in bed races, calf scramble, and special events.
 

 In 1982 4-H leader Marian White and our committee approached the fair board to allow a 4-H Homemaking Competition Class. This would bring awareness to the community of the 4-H Homemaking Projects. After 42 years, Phyllis O’Neil and I are still active with the 4-H Lifeskills.
 

In 1996 I became a director, later elected to the Executive, and in 2003 became IAS President for a 2-year term.
 

In 2001 we celebrated our 150th Anniversary. The fair was extended to Sunday for this occasion. Anticipating large crowds, the homecraft division was moved to the Arena, and the commercial exhibits to the Curling Club. The executive dressed in period costumes for the entire weekend. This special anniversary required many extra volunteer hours which helped make the weekend a huge success.
 

 In 2003 the membership decided to run a 3-day fair on a trial basis, which was very successful, and has continued ever since. 
 

The same year we distributed the first handout program/map to the fair goers. The programs showed the events, times, and locations.

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A trial pedestrian gate was moved to the green space to help alleviate the congestion at the main driveway entrance after the parade.

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 We received a Trillium Grant of $75,000 for upgrades including hydro, new fencing, gates, paving, and gravel.
 

The membership voted to build a new Livestock building as we had outgrown the old barn.
 

Fundraising began in August of 2003 to finance a steel structure 120” x 200”, and continued until the loan was paid off.
 

 In April 2004 we were granted a building permit after numerous meetings with Council concerning zoning by-Laws, Land Surveyors, Engineers/Architect, Financial Institutions, Insurance, Lawyers, Accountants, Excavators, and the Building Contractor.
 

 August 26, 2004, was the official Grand Opening Ceremonies of our new Agriplex with a beef BBQ and auction, a very proud and memorable night for everyone.
 

During the construction of the Agriplex many volunteers spent many hours working on site, with a special mention to the Grounds and Building Committees for their dedicated work.

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In 2005 a Donor Wall was erected at the east end of the Agriplex, to recognize those who contributed money, and Goods in Kind.
 

As the city grows closer to Ilderton the agricultural aspect of the fair is more important than ever, as we need to continue to educate our new friends and neighbours about farm life and our community.
 

I thoroughly enjoyed being involved with the building of the Agriplex, but most of all it was a pleasure working with so many enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers, who are committed to making the fair a success every year. 

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-Helen Kennedy Miatello, 2024 Parade Marshall