My involvement with the Ilderton Agricultural Society started around 1950 when I was old enough to attend the fair. My favorite memories of the fair at that time were the pony races and the food from the Junior Farmers food tent. We attended and looked forward to the fair every year. We didn't live near Ilderton, but most of our farm supplies came from the Ilderton CO-OP or the businesses in Ilderton. My father was a director on the CO-OP for some time.

Barb and I purchased the farm on 14 Mile Road in 1995 from my mother's estate, and we started to show some things at the fair. A couple of years later, a long-time exhibitor suggested that maybe I should become more involved in the fair.

 

When Don O’Neil was the president, the journey began. Then, at the annual meeting two years later, two ladies—namely Helen Kennedy Miatello and Cathy Filson—took me aside and asked me about becoming the second vice president of the Ag Society. At that point in my involvement with the fair, my favorite parts of the fair were the Muttin Bustin’, the Calf Scramble (until we had to cancel them), the Demolition Derby, and the reunion of all the people who look forward to, volunteer at, and visit the fair.

During my two years as president, I had the distinct honor of having Julia McNaughton—a long-time acquaintance from high school at Medway—as the president of Homecraft. During my time of involvement with the fair, it became a three-day fair, the Agri-Plex was built, security was added, we survived the pandemic, the fair has grown, and we have maintained our agricultural roots—which is most important and is a large draw for our visitors to the fair. A new building has been added to the fairgrounds this year. The Midway has grown in size and popularity; a lot of the other shows have changed. The attractions have increased the attendance drastically.

 

For me, it has been an honour to be involved in the fair, and I cherish the memories and the friendships I have renewed and gained. It is also an honour for Barb and me to be selected as parade ambassadors this year. Enjoy the fair!

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-Evan Donley