The Drayton Kinsmen, sponsors of the 35th Annual Drayton Farm Show, have been hard at work preparing for the crowds expected to attend this year’s event.
The Kinsmen have members who are farmers or are active in some aspect of agriculture.
The show is run completely by volunteers. High school students man the admission table, earning a portion of their volunteer hours required for completion of high school.
The popular show focuses on agricultural service, innovation and technology, and is of interest to rural and urban visitors alike.
“We have made minor changes to the show this year with less focus on financial services and more on farm equipment and technology,” stated Carl Bondi, show chairman.
“We hope to surpass the attendance figures set at the 2015 show.”
The two-day event takes place at the PMD arena in Drayton on March 30 and 31.
A slight adjustment to the show’s hours in 2015 proved successful and will be continued. The events opens at 11am on March 30 and runs until 10pm that evening. On March 31 show hours are 11am to 9pm.
“Admission price increases in 2015 allowed our club to donate more monies to Cystic Fibrosis research, a cause that our club supports at a national level,” Bondi said. “The club also supports many activities in the community.”
Over 100 exhibits will be on display at the show, with a wide range of products and services, bringing innovation and technology to the agricultural industry. Bondi expects most of the regular exhibitors to be back for 2016, with a few new faces in attendance and expanded space for other exhibitors.
“The show is not just for farmers,” said Bondi.
“There are displays, information booths and educational opportunities for town and country people. Almost anything you can think of will be available for purchase.”
The family-friendly show welcomes visitors of all ages, as the family farm is an important agricultural tradition, with each generation taking part.
The traditional bags of popcorn, stickers, pads of writing paper, pens and candy are always a crowd pleaser.
Members of the Minto Mapleton Family Health Team will be available to do blood pressure checks and answer questions related to dietary needs. Outside of the building, large farm equipment will be on display.
Bondi noted the show provides opportunities for other local groups to raise funds. The Drayton Minor Hockey Association runs the food booth and local Girl Guides will be selling their popular cookies during the event.
The collectible toy tractor, a unique show tradition, is a customized 1/16th model, four wheel drive John Deere 4440. Pre-orders are suggested as quantities are limited. Orders will be available for pickup at the show’s Kinsmen booth #85.
The show is well established and attendance has been excellent over the years, with a low turnover of exhibitors.
Organizers credit the success of the show to its roots and the fact it remains focused on being “Ontario’s agri-business showcase.”
