After 170 years, the Aberfoyle Fall Fair is still going strong.
And despite a slight drop in attendance and revenue last year, officials with the Aberfoyle Agricultural Society (AAS) remain committed to carrying on the tradition.
On Feb. 16, society member Don McKay gave a brief history of the organization, which was established in 1840, at a time when 80% of Puslinch’s population was directly involved with agriculture.
The goal of the society was – and remains – to enhance the awareness and quality of agriculture, home crafts, and a rural lifestyle, McKay explained.
The AAS assists local 4-H clubs and gardening groups, and annually hosts a barbecue chicken dinner (on June 9 this year), but its biggest event by far is the annual Aberfoyle Fall Fair – set this year for Sept. 10.
Society president Charlie Tilt told council the club wants to put on a great fair this year.
He said he attends about 25 fall fairs annually and Aberfoyle’s is among his favourites.
“For a one day fair, it’s one of the nicest,” Tilt said.
McKay said the society is grateful for the past support of the township, and presented Mayor Dennis Lever with a certificate recognizing the municipality as a “platinum” supporter.
He then noted the township has in the past donated $1,500 and the AAS is requesting that amount and possibly an increase to help the society deal with increasing costs.
Councillors thanked the society for all its work and lauded its members for a good fair last year, as well as in previous years.
“You certainly make the community proud,” councillor Jerry Schmidt told the delegation.
Council will consider the request in coming budget meetings.
It will also consider other recent funding requests, including one for $3,500 from the Badenoch community centre board and another for $500 from the Community Oriented Policing (COP) committee.
