DRAYTON – This month the 41st annual Drayton Farm Show will be returning to the PMD Arena for two days of farming fun and rural connections.
Guests can expect over 100 exhibitors to fill the venue, showcasing insurance companies, agricultural societies, banking needs and new farming equipment big and small.
“It was great attendance last year,” show chair Ray Kuper told the Community News.
“More and more people are coming out.”
“All the future farmers” are joining the fun as well, noted Kuper.
The show welcomes about 2,000 people over the two days.
The event is scheduled for April 9 from 11am to 10pm and April 10 from 11am to 9pm, at the PMD Arena at 68 Main St.
Prices this year are:
– adults $5;
– children $2; and
– children under age eight get in free.
“Every penny goes right back into the community,” said Kuper.
National and local impact
The show is hosted by the Kinsmen Club of Drayton, which belongs to a non-profit organization called Kin Canada.
The organization and the many clubs within it heavily support their partnership with Cystic Fibrosis Canada, a not-for-profit corporation that was established in 1960.
Since 1964, Kin members have raised more than $50 million for cystic fibrosis research and patient care.
Every year the farm show donates the proceeds raised from door admissions to the national charity.
“It’s nice for people coming in to know their money is going towards a good thing,” said Kuper.
The club serves the Drayton community by supporting the local food bank, creating family-friendly events and activities, and donating proceeds to various causes.
Since 1920, Kin Canada members have invested over $1 billion into Canadian communities.
Vendors
Drayton Farm Show guests will undoubtedly see many local vendors, as Kuper and the club make it a priority to include the community while offering a “good” variety of businesses.
“This is the time they (vendors) get to show off to the farmers,” he said. “Hopefully they can make some sales out of it.”
Kuper hinted new farm equipment may be available at the event.
“I enjoy putting the show together as the whole club does … it’s the social aspect, it’s always fun,” he added.
Some local booths include:
– Mapleton Contracting;
– Edge Mutual;
– Mapleton Chamber of Commerce;
– Girl Guides/Drayton Agricultural Society;
– Trees for Mapleton;
– Shantz Farm Equipment;
– Minto Ag; and
– Mapleview Agri.
The Wellington Federation of Agriculture and the International Plowing Match are also slated to attend.
For those interested in joining a Kin Canada club, visit the organization’s website at kincanada.ca and find one nearby.
