WELLINGTON COUNTY – The Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies (OAAS) has five upcoming judging courses aimed at attracting new certified judges for fall fairs.
The association was not able to offer judging schools during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a shortage of judges the past couple of years.
“We are desperately trying to train as many judges as we can and get them certified to become qualified judges,” said Joanne Holt, local OAAS district director.
She noted “all the judges at our fall fairs are certified.”
Training takes place at various locations in Ontario and each course covers a different exhibit category:
- needle crafts, hosted by Aberfoyle Agricultural Society on March 11;
- baking and canning, hosted by Paris Agricultural Society on April 15;
- art and group displays, hosted by Caledonia Agricultural Society on May 6;
- woodworking, hosted by Wellesley Agricultural Society on May 26; and
- produce, eggs, honey and maple syrup, hosted by Harriston-Minto Agricultural Society on June 17.
Attendees will learn what judges should be looking for in each exhibit and how to follow the standards book to ensure judging is consistent and fair across the province.
Details vary for each course but they generally run from 9am to 4pm and cost $15 to $35.
Holt said the needle craft judging school will be at Springfield Golf Club in Guelph and costs $30, including lunch.
“To be certified as a judge you have to go to three judging schools and apprentice at three fairs,” she said.
Holt noted anyone can attend the schools, regardless of whether they want to become a judge, including people who want to learn how judging takes place from an exhibitor perspective.
For more information or to sign up for a course email district7judgingcontact@gmail.com.
