Brussels Agricultural Society hosts annual general meeting after good year

BY SCOTT STEPHENSON

Last week, the Brussels Agricultural Society (BAS) found a lot to celebrate at its annual general meeting (AGM), not the least of which was the birthday of outgoing-Homecraft President Linda Garland, who was serenaded by the society after a potluck dinner. 

 

Planning for this year’s various events is already well underway, and the dinner featured pizza, lasagna, and no fewer than three different varieties of meatballs, all of which were equally delicious.

 

In 2024, the BAS held a number of well-received community events, including their popular Ladies’ Night, a successful euchre tournament at the grand opening of the Brussels, Morris, and Grey Community Centre, and of course, the fall fair. It may still be early February, but the BAS is already hard at work organizing its roster of 2025 events. The first meeting of the Ladies’ Night planning committee will be on Feb. 11, and talks were had about potentially hosting a monthly card game. The fall fair book will need to be printed soon, and choosing a theme for the 2026 fall fair was also a hot topic. The popular choice of the night - “Grow it, sow it, show it!” Better luck next year, “Country roots and cowboy boots”.

 

Discussions were had about potential avenues for fundraising, including running a 50/50 draw or selling concessions at the Clinton Raceway. Outgoing President and incoming Past-President Reg Vinnicombe advocated for the idea, saying that it was a natural fit. “The patrons expect somebody to be there, selling hot dogs or hamburgers. The concession stand inside does that as well, but a lot of people do support the community groups that are there fundraising. They sort of expect some group to be there, selling 50/50 tickets,” he explained.

 

A presentation from Priyanka Gupta of Agriculture Wellness Ontario discussed the importance of mental health in agricultural communities, and touched on subjects like farmer suicide. Gupta’s speech added a serious note to the jovial tone of the meeting, but also served as a reminder that agricultural societies are a valuable tool in alleviating stress on farmers by providing a social support network between neighbours.

 

As BAS tradition dictates, the 2025 AGM was the last meeting led by outgoing-President Vinnicombe, who was offered a heartfelt thank you for his stellar service before stepping aside so incoming-President Crystal Blake could take the reins.