Why an Interview,,,

Over the years we have been able to meet and talk with some very interesting people. They have shared with us their knowledge and have provided us with a great deal of insight as to how and why festivals and events work and why they are so important to our communities and to the Province of Ontario. With this in mind, we decided that we wanted you to meet and hear from some of the wonderful people who work so hard to provide us all with such wonderful Ontario Festivals and Events! We are pleased and proud to present "THE INSIDE SCOOP"!

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

A Fair to Remember ~ Ancaster visited by Ontario Visited ~ Excerpt

The Fair – “The Fair is a great community to volunteer in.”“The Ancaster Fair is all about “Fabulous Family Fun!”

THE INSIDE SCOOP presents Kathy Smith, Manager

Ancaster Agricultural Society and Ancaster Fairgrounds ... Our interview continues …
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Judi "Scoop" McWilliams, Ontario Visited
Horse'n Around at the
Ancaster Fair

Kathy Smith, Manager, Ancaster Agricultural Society
Judi "Scoop" McWilliams, Ontario Visited
Ontario Visited Experience ~ Excerpt of Ontario Fairs Visited Article to give you a taste of what to expect at the Fair … by Judi (Scoop) McWilliams … At a beautiful modern building with a huge porch and grand entrance we found the Fair offices. At the entrance rows and rows of competition flowers and arrangements were displayed in glass vases, and clear stands allowing the open aired ambiance to showcase these spectacular displays and arrangements. We continued to explore this grand building. The main hall housed displays of agriculture of all kinds. Quilts, baked goods, crafts were on display. Rows of wheat housed in wooden boxes allowed us to view the types of grains. This entire building was huge and so well organized it allowed us to enjoy ourselves immensely. It was colourful, educational and entertaining all at once. There were hands on agricultural activities and demonstrations all day. We reluctantly left the building to return to the brilliant sunshine outside. At one end of the fair grounds we explored “Heritage Square”, the antique tractor and equipment displays. There were volunteers explaining these spectacular displays to the visitors. One building was designed as an old fashioned general store, right down to the original pricing of goods from the era. Tall metal black stallions stood beside the store making for a great "photo shot". Rows and rows of tractors from all sizes and periods of time adorned the field as we walked with amazement.  There were activities from Steam Engines, to Operating Thresher, Sawmill, Working Windmill, Rope Maker, Walking Plows, and more. I think the Operating Thresher captured our attention for quite some time as we watch in amazement.
Finally, if you, your family, friends want to have a fantastic experience … “The Ancaster Fair is all about “Fabulous Family Fun!” You can check out their website at http://www.ancasteragriculturalsociety.ca/ for all the upcoming details!
Ontario Visited ~ Ancaster Fair Visited

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Funding, Prizes, Donations ... Sharing Insight & Knowledge ~ Ancaster Fairgrounds

The Fair – “The Fair is a great community to volunteer in.”“The Ancaster Fair is all about “Fabulous Family Fun!”

THE INSIDE SCOOP presents Kathy Smith, Manager
Ancaster Agricultural Society and Ancaster Fairgrounds ... Our interview continues …





Kathy Smith, Manager
Judi "Scoop" McWilliams
Ontario Visited



With the economic challenges today, it would seem critical to obtain/maintain Sponsor funding and Other Sources of funding. How do you go about obtain funding?


Funding ~ “Funding is always a major concern for any non profit or charitable organizations.  Costs only seem to go up and unfortunately new sources of income always need to be found to cover these increases.  We are always looking for possible sources or funding whether from grants or potential new sponsors”. 


How do you go about obtaining Prizes and Awards for the Fair?

Prizes and Award Donations ~ “We have a wonderfully supportive community around us.  Many of the awards that are given for prize winning entries have been given for many years. That doesn’t mean we don’t appreciate new awards. Committee chairs will take on the task of canvassing local businesses to obtain donations towards their prize list and special awards”.

Can you talk about the Touch a Truck and how your Society is making this such a successful adventure?

Touch a Truck ~ “The Touch a Truck event is a great event for families with young children that have a fascination with equipment. Over 60 pieces of equipment were on hand at last year’s event for children to sit in, blow the horn and experience the size of. Area farmers, Horizon Utilities, Hydro One, and local businesses all donate their time and equipment for this fund raising event that supports literacy in two of our area schools as well as providing funds for inner city school children to attend the fair”. 

Would you like to tell our readers about the Homecraft Garage Sale?

Homecraft Garage Sale ~ “Who doesn’t have “stuff” that they need to get rid of.  The Homecraft Garage sale is an opportunity to rent a space for a well advertised garage sale, indoors!  Held in March each year many vendors return year after year to participate in one of the first garage sales of the year.  Treasures are to be found, whether these are antiques, used books or that item that you just can’t live without”.

Stay tuned for more with Kathy Smith, Manager of the Ancaster Agricultural Society and Ancaster Fairgrounds and don’t forget to check out their website at http://www.ancasteragriculturalsociety.ca/. … Next SCOOP: Ontario Visited Experience at the Ancaster Fair!




Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Volunteer Recruitment, Appreciation ~ The Key to Success ~ Ancaster Agricultural Interview

The Fair – “The Fair is a great community to volunteer in.”“The Ancaster Fair is all about “Fabulous Family Fun!”
THE INSIDE SCOOP presents Kathy Smith, Manager

Ancaster Agricultural Society and Ancaster Fairgrounds

Our interview continues …

The Fair – “The Fair is a great community to volunteer in.”“The Ancaster Fair is all about “Fabulous Family Fun!”
THE INSIDE SCOOP presents Kathy Smith, Manager
Ancaster Agricultural Society and Ancaster Fairgrounds
Our interview continues …
 
For many fairs, agricultural societies, festivals and events, it is critical to have volunteers!
Volunteers … can you tell about how you recruit volunteers.
Volunteer recruitment ~ “The Ancaster Fair does not have a specific recruitment policy or procedure.  We welcome everyone to become involved with the Ancaster Agricultural Society.  We do have a membership fee of $15 however this will give you unlimited entry into the Ancaster Fair, we just ask that you volunteer some of your time with a committee of the fair”.
How do you “keep them happy”? For example, do you have a Volunteer Appreciation Program?
Volunteer appreciation ~ “After the Fair each year we hold a volunteer appreciation and awards night.  This evening is a casual evening where we recognize the award winners from the fair but also the long time volunteers who will receive their Life membership or the Service Diploma award from the Society.  A nice meal is enjoyed, great company and a chance to say thank you to our volunteers for all that they do”.
Can you share with us some techniques on managing so many volunteers?
Techniques to manage volunteers ~ “Working with volunteers is very rewarding. Volunteers give so much of themselves to our organization and very willingly come out and help whenever needed.  I regularly work alongside the volunteers to prepare for events or to manage events, working with them as a volunteer.   I value this time to get to know the volunteers, to show I am prepared to volunteer my time for the association and to help accomplish the goals of the organization”.
Stay tuned for more with Kathy Smith, Manager of the Ancaster Agricultural Society and Ancaster Fairgrounds and don’t forget to check out their website at http://www.ancasteragriculturalsociety.ca/. … Next SCOOP: Funding, Prizes and Award Donations, Touch a Truck, Homecraft Garage Sale.