The Palmerston Agricultural Society is sharing the proceeds from its 18th annual Farmers’ Pre-Seeding Barbecue with nine other community groups and local services.
Almost $20,000 was raised at the popular April event that brings farmers and agribusinesses together for a steak barbecue and an evening of networking and fun.
Because this year’s event was held soon after the tragic bus accident involving the Humboldt Broncos hockey team, commemorative T-shirts were auctioned in support of the Saskatchewan players and their families, raising an additional $9,000 to support the Humboldt Broncos Community Foundation.
Farmers’ Barbecue chair Tony Johnson said the annual Palmerston event has raised more than $250,000 since it was launched in 2001.
“We owe this success to the hard work of agricultural society volunteers and the generosity of our sponsors and supporters,” said Johnson.
“On average, almost 100 businesses and individuals donate items and support our auctions. The communal effort is essential for the event’s success year after year.”
Proceeds from the barbecue support the Palmerston Agricultural Society’s annual events, including a tractor pull in July, the Palmerston Fair in August, the society’s post-secondary scholarship, and agri-awareness programs for elementary students.
The agricultural society also shares up to half the barbecue proceeds with other groups working to benefit the local agricultural community.
Recipients this year are the Palmerston Hospital Foundation, the Rural Women’s Support Program, Norwell District Secondary School’s LEAF Program, 4-H clubs in Wellington and Perth Counties, the Minto Fire Department, the Palmerston Railway Museum, the Minto Youth Action Council, the Palmerston Community Centre and the Norgan Theatre.
A cheque presentation for these groups was held on July 21 at the Palmerston Farmers’ Market.
The society will also host its 40th annual Tractor Pull on July 28, beginning at 4pm. Check out these events and more at www.palmerstonfair.ca.
