Dave Ogilvie
Since it was first organized is 1900, members of the Rainy River District Agricultural Society quietly have spent many hours behind the scenes planning and implementing successful fall fairs in Emo each August for the participants, workers, vendors, and visitors to the district alike.
Their dedication to the task has, year after year, fulfilled the group’s original purpose of “enhancing the quality of life for people living in the agricultural community.”
Many board members have been working at the job for many years, but somehow always have managed to keep the annual fair an exciting and rewarding experience.
“I’ve been at it for 40 years,” noted new president Harold Kellar. “I’m semi-retired and in a position to invest the time.”
As president, Kellar has a few new ideas and changes he would like to introduce to the fair board.
With the help of the other new members on the executive, first vice-president Angela Fiset and second vice-president Robin Payeur, Kellar and the board have begun to plan for next Emo Fair.
“Our board has some important decisions to make in the months ahead,” stressed Kellar.
“The exhibition hall, for example, is in sad shape so we are looking for some input.”
As a result, the RRVAS executive is hoping to recruit three or four more directors to the board.
Each director is given a specific job during fair time, but it takes everyone pulling together to complete the task of planning for another successful one.
“I would love to get some younger people involved,” said Kellar. “Not only do they have the energy and enthusiasm necessary for the job, but they bring fresh ideas to the meetings.”
The board currently has a fundraising concert in the planning stages.
“Country Blend” a well-known group to many in the district, will be performing at the Emo Legion in the near future.
Anyone interested in joining the fair board should give one of the members a call.
The next meeting will take place early in April.
Many members of the board return year after year because it’s an enjoyable and rewarding experience.
Seeing the crowds enjoying themselves and meeting up with old friends makes it all worthwhile.
“I keep coming back because I really enjoy it,” Kellar enthused.
