CENTRE WELLINGTON – The Fergus Agricultural Society has been able to upgrade equipment with the help of a $149,800 Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) grant.
Society volunteers gathered at the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex to celebrate the capital grant and new equipment on Aug. 2.
“I think it’s really nice to be recognized from a provincial organization,” director Rebecca Hannam told the Advertiser during the presentation.
She submitted the grant application last year as part of the “competitive” process.
The society used the funds to buy 14 units of five-row bleachers as well as outdoor lighting, a small PA system and pipe and drape kits.
The equipment will improve the “functionality” of the event space at the sportsplex and better accommodate the needs of a growing population, officials stated.
“To be able to make it this far and then receive the funding, we’re really proud of that,” added Hannam.
The new equipment is expected to be used by at least two other community groups who host events at the same venue.
“Our thanks go out to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for its support of the Fergus Agricultural Society,” said Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott.
He said the addition of the bleachers will make a “big difference” in enhancing the visitor experience for a large number of events.
“There are lots of community organizations making applications and the fact that you were successful says something about the work you’re doing,” added Arnott.
Agricultural society president Paul Rappolt said the OTF grant is “the largest grant our organization has received to date and the impact is significant.
“We are located in one of the fastest growing communities in Ontario and we appreciate the need to increase capacity being acknowledged.”
The society is a non-profit organization aiming to promote agriculture, celebrate community involvement and inspire connection through family-friendly events, officials stated.
“Whether it’s helping people learn new things, connect with their community or simply have fun, organizations like Fergus Agricultural Society deliver experiences that make a difference,” said tourism, culture and gaming minister Stan Cho.
“This funding will help ensure they remain at the heart of the community for decades to come.”
The new bleachers will be used at the upcoming Fergus Fall Fair and Fergus Scottish Festival, improving “public safety” and “functionality.”
The 187th Fergus Fall Fair will take place Sept. 13 to 15 with advanced online tickets available at fergusfallfair.ca.
“Fall fairs are fantastic celebrations of agricultural and our rural and small-town heritage,” said Arnott.
The equipment is available to rent for any group using the sportsplex grounds.
Those interested can contact the Fergus Agricultural Society.
