FERGUS — The Fergus Agricultural Society has selected a new volunteer board of directors and announced the cancellation of the Fergus Fall Fair’s traditional events in 2021 due to COVID-19.
Tayler Black was selected as president, Jennifer Craig as first vice president and Paul Rappolt as second vice president at the organization’s annual meeting earlier this year.
While the board’s executive positions are typically two year terms, Black, Craig and Rappolt have accepted extended terms due to the cancellation of the Fergus Fall Fair in 2020.
Rebecca Hannam, Denise Kankainen, Joan McBurney and Henry Vervoort have been selected as directors and will serve through 2023. Dillion Bernier and Jade Ritter will serve the organization as junior directors for a one year term.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the board unanimously voted to cancel traditional events in 2021, including Breakfast on the Farm in June and the Fergus Fall Fair in September.
“Given the current COVID-19 framework, we recognize that large scale events like ours are not likely to be permitted for the remainder of the year,” says Black.
“While we are saddened to announce cancellations again this year, the health and safety of our community continues to be top priority.”
Society volunteers plan to monitor COVID-19 projections and work with Centre Wellington community partners to develop alternative events in 2021.
“We have a passionate group of volunteers who are already discussing possible ways to celebrate agriculture and our community this year, whether that be virtually or through smaller in-person events,” says Black.
Updated information will be posted on www.fergusfallfair.ca and on the Fergus Fall Fair Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts as it becomes available.
The Fergus Fall Fair was last held in September 2019 when it celebrated its 183rd anniversary as the tenth oldest fair in Ontario.
The organization released a video series, “Carry on thru COVID”, throughout the fall of 2020. The Fergus Fall Fair is an annual showcase of local agriculture, food, talent and rural fun.
