“Fabulous Family Fun!” ~ Ancaster Fairgrounds Scoop

Kathy Smith, Manager
Ancaster Agricultural Society ~ Ancaster Fairgrounds
with Ontario Visited Judi McWilliams

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

For many of our INSIDE SCOOP articles, I like have a discussion with a leader, organizer, expert in the field of presenting fairs, festivals, events and shows across the Province. This time, however, Kathy Smith, Manager of the Ancaster Agricultural Society and Ancaster Fairgrounds was very clear, concise and informative when responding to my initial questions. I found that Kathy’s responses to our INSIDE SCOOP questions reads best as is. I hope you enjoy this SCOOP article as much as I have learned and gained valuable knowledge by reading Kathy’s responses.

The Growth and Journey of the Ancaster Agricultural Society:

“History - In 1850 the present Ancaster Agricultural Society was organized.  At this time the fair was located behind the township hall in the Town of Ancaster.  In 1876 a drill hall was built and this was used for the annual fair.  In 1885 the fairgrounds were relocated to the east of the old Academy Street School with the drill hall still used for the inside exhibits.  In 1902 “Lady Directors” were appointed for the first time.  In 1937 the Medical Health Office ordered that the fair be canceled because a case of Infantile Paralysis had been discovered in the township, this is the only year since 1850 that the fair was not held.  In 1949 the 625 Garner Rd. site of the fairgrounds was purchased.  The first fair took place here in 1950.  Some of the buildings from the old location were moved to this fairground. 

In the early 2000’s a group of dedicated volunteers realized that the fairgrounds was surrounded by development and that we should start looking at a possible relocation site.  This group, with the cooperation of the membership, purchased and planned the new 100 acre Ancaster Fairgrounds. In 2009 the Ancaster Fair moved to its fourth location at 630 Trinity Rd. Many changes have taken place since the first fair took place 157 years ago however; the mandate of the fair continues to be “to encourage an awareness of agriculture”.  

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: the Importance of the Fair and Facilities.



WORLD-FAMOUS SHAKESPEARE’S GLOBE THEATRE ~ PRESCOTT

Artistic Director Ian Farthing shares some exciting "SCOOP"!

Media Release

WORLD-FAMOUS SHAKESPEARE’S GLOBE THEATRE

PICKS PRESCOTT, ONTARIO FOR ONLY CANADIAN SHOWS

The world’s most renowned Shakespeare troupe is making its first-ever visit to Canada this summer for an exclusive engagement in Prescott, Ontario, in what is being hailed as a cultural coup for the small town.

Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre from London, England, will present two performances of Hamlet on Saturday, August 2nd at the St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival – the only Canadian stop on their 2014 international tour.

“Globe to Globe: Hamlet” celebrates the 450^th anniversary of the birth of Shakespeare, who founded the London company and created its famous theatre in the round. The troupe aims to tour their production through 205 countries over the next two years.

“The Globe is looking for unique and atmospheric venues to stage its world production, from village squares to palaces. The unique waterfront amphitheatre of the St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival fits the bill and we are thrilled to be able to host such a prestigious event,” said the Festival’s Artistic Director, Ian Farthing.

Farthing noted that being asked to participate in Globe to Globe is a huge feather in the cap of the award-winning Festival that’s been professionally producing Shakespeare’s plays to great reviews every summer since 2003:

“It’s magical that our Festival would attract such a high-calibre international company. To be the sole Canadian venue for this tour is a real honour. For many Canadian Shakespeare lovers, it’ll be the theatrical opportunity of a lifetime.”

Globe to Globe tickets for the Prescott performances will go on sale April 23^rd - Shakespeare’s birthday. The Festival is anticipating both shows will sell out very quickly.  Festival Season Pass holders will be given a priority advance booking period.

Famed theatre director Peter Brook has stated that Hamlet was chosen for the “bold and dynamic” project because it’s the most all-encompassing of Shakespeare’s plays: “Everyone, young or old, can today find an immediate identification with its characters, their pains and their interrogations. It can bring a rich journey of discovery to new audiences everywhere.”

The touring cast of eight actors will perform more than two dozen parts in a fresh version of the classic tragedy emphasizing its gallows humour and celebrating the “exuberance and invention” of its language.

Hosting Globe to Globe does come with additional costs for the Festival.  Advanced commitments from donors, such as the Ontario Arts Council, are making this unique opportunity possible, but the Eastern-Ontario based Festival is still seeking support from potential partners – including a title sponsor. Interested donors should contact Ian Farthing for more information. 

 

Farthing believes the venture will expand the St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival audience, with many Shakespeare fans discovering the unique Prescott venue for the first time, returning for its own productions of The Tempest and The Two Gentlemen of Verona, which run from July 12th to August 16th.

DETAILS:

The St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival presents

Shakespeare’s Globe to Globe production of Hamlet

Saturday August 2^nd at 1pm and 7pm

Sandra S. Lawn Harbour, Prescott, ON

Tickets $40

Tickets go on sale Wednesday April 23^rd at 10am

Festival Season Pass Holders Priority Booking begins Monday March 3^rd at 10am
Box Office: 613 925 5788
Online sales at www.stlawrenceshakespeare.ca

For more information or to arrange an interview, contact
IAN FARTHING, Artistic Director

ad@stlawrenceshakespeare.ca