Jenna Gamble, the President of the Chatsworth Agricultural Society, has announced that the Directors of the Society have put aside the idea of holding a full or partial Fall Fair in 2018. "This is not to say that there will never be another Chatsworth Fall Fair," explained Gamble, "but it simply isn't going to be possible for at least the next two or three years."

By way of background, Gamble spoke about the shock and dismay in the community when the Chatsworth Arena was closed last year, resulting in the cancellation of the Fair in 2017. But, said Gamble, "Every cloud has a silver lining." She explained that after intensive discussions with a facilitator from OMFRA on two Saturdays, most recently in late April, the Board has come to see this as an opportunity to 're-invent' the Chatsworth Agricultural Society.

"Rather than focusing on a Fall Fair, we will sponsor or facilitate community and agriculture-related activities and events in and around Chatsworth in order to continue our long tradition of helping build, educate and grow the local community," explained Gamble.

She went on to note a number of different possibilities that the Board is considering, emphasising that new ideas from members, volunteers and the community are welcome.

By way of an example of new initiatives, Gamble said that the Ag Society will sponsor an educational exhibit about poultry and rabbits at the annual Owen Sound Harvest for Hunger "Fun Day on the Farm" event later this year at Larry & Heather Parkin's farm on Saturday August 12th. She also said that the Society's Board is considering how best to participate in and contribute to the 'Grown in Grey' educational initiative in the Spring of 2019.

President Gamble pointed out that some of the Society's activities that were not linked to the Fair in the past will continue, such as Trivia Night (that was held in March at the Chatsworth Legion). She said that the annual fish fry will also be continued – this year, it will be held on Tuesday, July 17 at the Williamsford Arena.

"And our planning is well underway for 'Christmas in the Village' in Chatsworth on the weekend of December 14 – 16, 2018." President Gamble said that the event last year was a "roaring success," with very strong support from local businesses and residents, and "an amazing number of visitors from far and wide."

source: media release, Chatsworth Agricultural Society