Thursday, May 7, 2020
The Providence Bay Agricultural Society Press Release May 7, 2020
The Providence Bay Agricultural Society has decided that our 2020 Agricultural Fair will have a totally different look. We are changing the format of the fair as it has been known in the past. This decision has been a difficult one, however due to the restrictions on group gatherings, the cost to update our standards for safety and security, and consideration for the health and safety of our volunteers and guests, we will be moving to a virtual format. The fair weekend for 2020, August 21-23, will offer a different look, but the love of agriculture and community will still be at the heart of our event. We will also offer events leading up to fair weekend. This year our fair theme is "Pioneer Days to Modern Ways”. In this new age, we hope that all community members will be able to hold on to their historic way of preparing for the fair, but reach to the modern ways of sharing and presenting their hard work in a new creative fashion.
We would like to announce our first new big event. We are hosting the “Adam’s Sunflower Challenge”. In memory of our late community resident and board member Adam McDonald, his family is sponsoring this challenge. There are two categories, 1 – Largest Sunflower, 2 – Best Overall Sunflower Display. Each section will offer prizes of $50 for 1st, $30 for 2nd and $20 for 3rd. To enter, email providencebayfair@gmail.com with your address. On August 21st, judges will come to your location and review the entries. This is something everyone across the island can take part in, so get out there and plant your sunflowers!!
Next, get your thinking caps on! The 3rd annual hay bale structure competition is on. This event, sponsored by Redbow Floor and Wall Fashion, will consist of two categories, 1 – Large Hay Bale Structure, 2 – Best Front Yard Display, both incorporating the fair theme of “Pioneer Days to Modern Ways”. Email your address to providencebayfair@gmail.com before August 1st, when judging will take place. A map of all the displays across the island will be created so you may drive around and enjoy the creative fun. All farms and front yards across the island are encouraged to take part.
The Annual Family Fun Trophy is also gearing up. We hope to involve more families this year. There will be points if your family takes part in the sunflower challenge, hay bale structure or front yard display. There will be virtual exhibit hall items. New this year will be a Road Rally, in place of the scavenger hunt. Details will be found on our website and our Facebook page coming soon. Other events will be added as we follow provincial guidelines for gatherings.
We can also announce that our popular Manitoulin’s Got Talent will be going ahead, but in a slightly different way. We are working on a plan for entries to be created and recorded. A video production will be created and will be presented on fair weekend. You may contact Karlene Scott by emailing karlene.scott@live.com if you are interested in taking part in this fun annual event.
In addition, the annual Providence Bay Agricultural Fair for 2020 will offer a virtual exhibit hall with entries of vegetables, photographs, needleworking, flowers, kids crafts and more. The new exhibit hall sections and categories will be announced in June. The judging of virtually presented items, community at-home projects and self-guided tours will all come together fair weekend. As regulations change, we will be watching and will announce later in the summer our plan for our popular Saturday morning parade.
Thank you to all for coming on board to support the pride and love for agriculture in our community. Manitoulin has a long history of community value and as an Agricultural Society we will do our best to provide an opportunity for everyone to participate in some manner. We look forward to announcing more events as the weeks to summer approach!
Dawn Dawson
Providence Bay Agricultural Society
Secretary/Treasurer