The 32nd annual Drayton Kinsmen Farm Show was a resounding success, organizers report.
The two-day event, held April 3 and 4 at the PMD Community Centre drew 2,144 in paid attendance. Kinsmen show chair John Klassen said attendance was even higher when including the many children under 12 who attend the show for free.
“They’re future tractor buyers,” he notes.
Klaassen said the above-average turnout, which included a record-breaking draw of over 1,200 people on the Wednesday, can be partially attributed to the weather, as well as the attraction of over 100 exhibitors at the show.
“The only request I had from exhibitors was to make sure the weather’s the same for next year’s show,” said Klaassen, noting that because there is still snow on the fields in the area, “no one is on the fields – everyone’s at the farm show.”
With $1 from every admission fee going to support cystic fibrosis research, the turnout means $2,144 will go toward that cause, said Klaassen. While the finally tally isn’t in, the rest of the proceeds from the show will go toward the Kinsmen’s community betterment projects including support for the construction of new playgrounds in Drayton and Moorefield, a project they will share with the Moorefield Optimists.
The large crowds also provided a boost for the Drayton Minor Hockey Association, which operates the food booth at the event.
“They sold two days worth of pies in one day,” Klaassen commented.
Among the new features at this year’s show was a series of seminars on agricultural topics presented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food and the Ministry of Rural Affairs. Klaassen said organizers are looking to grow that part of the show in the future.
“We’re going to be bringing in some pretty good speakers,” he said.
