The Drayton Farm Show, now in its 36th year, continues to grow by showcasing the latest in agricultural technology while maintaining its rural roots.
Featuring over 100 exhibits, show-goers can find everything from a robotic milker to a display on agricultural history in Mapleton Township.
The two-day event, sponsored by the Drayton Kinsmen, takes place on March 29 (11am to 10pm) and 30 (11am to 9pm) at the PMD arena in Drayton.
A slight adjustment to show hours in 2015 proved to be successful and will continue in 2017.
Half of the $5 admission fee is donated to cystic fibrosis research, a cause that the local Kinsmen support at a national level. The rest of the proceeds are put toward various Kinsmen projects in the community including an addition to the agricultural society building, purchase of a rescue van and Jaws-of-Life for the local fire department, and a contribution to the PMD Arena.
The family-friendly show focuses not only on agricultural service, innovation and technology, but also on the family farm as an important agricultural tradition.
There are displays, information booths and educational opportunities suited to rural and non rural visitors of all ages. Show-goers will see a few new faces among the exhibitors, with most of the regular exhibitors returning for another year.
Community members outside of the Kinsmen club play a role in the running of the event. High school students looking to earn a portion of their volunteer hours required for completion of high school man the admission table.
Volunteers from the Drayton Minor Hockey Association run the food booth and local Girl Guides will be selling their popular cookies.
Members of the Minto Mapleton Family Health Team are available to do blood pressure checks and answer questions related to dietary needs.
The Mapleton Historical Society’s booth will feature a display on haying. Photos contributed by local residents will capture haying practices over the decades.
Mapleton residents can search sketches dated from 1843 on tree species in Peel and Maryborough Townships. The sketches donated by the family of the late Paul Day will be showcased at the Trees for Mapleton booth.
New at the show this year is a breakfast with Mapleton Mayor Neil Driscoll. On March 29 at 11am on the arena floor, show-goers are invited to enjoy a coffee and breakfast snack while Driscoll shares updates on Mapleton Township issues.
Topics to be discussed include the agricultural community, youth, new projects, the budget and recent meetings with provincial ministers focused on infrastructure in rural municipalities.
A unique show tradition offered for sale each year by the Drayton Kinsmen is a customized collectible toy tractor. This year’s tractor, the 1/16th scale Farmall 656 must be pre-ordered, as quantities are limited. Orders can be picked up at the Kinsmen booth during the show.
Outside the Kinsmen have arranged for agricultural equipment companies to display various pieces of equipment around the grounds.
