John and Eunice Bosomworth are holding a second antique and horse show fundraiser to benefit the Canadian Food Grains Bank again this year.
The couple hosted a similar event several years ago at their RR2 Ayton farm near Mount Forest in Grey County, and the organizers are taking the same approach as they did with their successful first event.
“This time my sister is heading this,” Bosomworth said of Carol Liebold. “She’s chairing the meetings.”
But there is nothing formal. Bosomworth said, “It’s pretty much the same people sitting around the table.”
The reason the Bosomworths attracted the huge crowd the last time is twofold. First, John has an extensive collection of antique John Deere tractors (one of the largest private collections in the province) and, last time, he had an antique 1957 Chevy. This year, she said, he has the tractor collection but also he has added to his car collection, too, and has about ten cars.
“He’s added a few things – but he hasn’t sold anything,” Eunice said in describing the situation.
The couple has taken into account the wet weather that has dogged Southern Ontario for this summer. “Everything is in sheds, and they are mostly wheelchair accessible,” she said.
There will also be displays of buggies, wagons, plows, tools, gas signs, and stationary engines.
The second major attraction at the farm is its Norwegian Fjord horses. It is native to Norway and is a rare breed.
Archaeological excavations have revealed that it was domesticated in the Bronze Age, about 1200 BC. Viking burial grounds show that man had bred the horse for about 2,000 years. The breed evolved from the war horse of the Vikings, to the working farm horse and family mount, to today’s versatile and athletic horse for all reasons.
Used on hillside farms in Western Norway, the horses are agile, surefooted, and hard working. Their impressive power and heart makes them seem like a much larger horse.
They are used in dressage, hunter, and English riding as well as carriage driving, combined driving, and draft disciplines because their disposition is so well suited to harness. They make a good western trail horse.
The Bosomworths and several area churches of varying denominations have come together to work on the fundraiser Aug. 29. Eunice Bosomworth said there will be plenty of food, including a popcorn machine, as well as music entertainment all day.
She said the United, Presbyterian, Lutheran, Pentecostal, and Roman Catholic Churches in the area are involved in the event. Several of the churches as located in Harriston and Clifford.She added that Larry Grommett Insurance, and Trillium Insurance are paying for all the food, so 100% of those sales benefit the Food Grain Bank.
She said a number of service clubs are involved, and there will be one large barbecue on site to help feed the hungry. “We had two small ones last time,” she remembered.
Feeding people is what the event is about. The Canadian Food Grains Bank was established in 1983. It is a Canadian-based Christian organization that helps provide food and development assistance to people in need on behalf of 15 Canadian church denominations.
There are various ways to donate, including growing and harvesting a crop to supply food. Eunice noted, though, that there are other ways to contribute and help the less fortunate. That includes fundraisers. There is no admission to the farm and the tours, but donations are gratefully accepted.
She noted that the Canadian government matches each dollar raised with four more dollars. That means a $10 donation is worth $50, and in a developing country, $50 means a lot.
Today, Canadian Foodgrains Bank ranks among the largest private food aid providers in the world. Donations made by Canadians have helped Canadian Foodgrains Bank and its members provide over 1,000,000 metric tonnes of food to people who are hungry throughout the world.
Bosomworth said there have been a number of changes to this event. Because the field across from the farm entrance is growing crops, the neighbours have donated space and a company has donated a shuttle bus so people can arrive in comfort. Further, she said, those in wheelchairs can be dropped off at the farm and the driver can then park the car and return.
She added that the committee is considering a number of small improvements. One woman reported after the last event that there were not enough signs to tell people the location of the farm, so this year, more signs giving directions will be placed in the area.
To reach the farm from Mount Forest, take Highway 89 to the Baseline just past Pike Lake’s cut-off, and drive north to Concession 6, which is the next left turn after Letterbreen Road. The farm’s emergency number is 102081. Or, drive north on Highway 6 through Mount Forest, turn left onto Letterbreen Road to the T-intersection, turn right, and take the first left to the farm.
The event runs from 10am to 5pm.
For more information, phone 519-665-2303 or email bosomworth@wightman.ca.
