Good food, an informative speaker, and a detailed meeting describe the annual meeting of the Bayfield Agricultural Meeting.  About thirty people gathered for a potluck meal and enjoyed the presentation of Richard Fitoussi’s vision of viticulture in Huron County.  Richard, upon residency in Huron, was told of the numerous peach orchards in this area and began his quest to see if grapes were viable here because he always believed that wherever peaches would thrive wine-making  grapes would grow.  With a French background wine making was part of his heritage.  Through a lot of research and consultation there are now two vineyard projects in Huron.  He felt that if every family in Huron drank one bottle of wine a month, out of loyalty to supporting local products, the Huron wine making industry would have a solid foundation.

At the annual meeting appreciation was extended to the youth who exhibit and have their efforts rewarded even at the District level.  This year Lauren Williamson’s intermediate poster won first prize at the District Level and will be entered in the provincial competition.  Cate Thompon had a second place poster and Taryn Siertsema had a third place poster at the District competition.  Many youth helped set up or take down the displays and helped with food preparation.  Gratitude was given to the Directors, convenors, and committee chairs for their work and to the Treasurer and Secretary for their dedicated commitment to the Society.

This coming year Jentje Steenbeek becomes the President, backed up by Bill Dowson as First Vice President, Ted Dunn as Second Vice President, and Liz Elliott as Third Vice President.  This is a watershed moment since there has never been so many people willing to take Executive positions.  Jentje’s opening comments included his observation of the Society’s willingness to try new ventures and applauded its support of the Miniature Horse Points Show that will be hosted by the Society at the REACH Centre on June 20.

Honorary Memberships were given to Ted Dunn who has been a member since he was a 4-H member and served as president in four different decades.  Kathleen Siertema also received an honorary membership for her longtime leadership in culinary arts, helping with dinners and now assisting with the handcraft section.  Afra Van Wonderen also received the honour for her longtime commitment as a Director, role as president in the past, her work with the wreath making right from its inception, and her willingness to volunteer wherever there was a need.  All three are truly valued in the organization.

Now events and entertainment will be finalized over the coming months as the 159 Bayfield Community Fair promotes “Blue Jeans and Machines.”

The Bayfield Ag. Society evergreen wreaths will be available to purchase at the Goderich Makers Market on Saturday, December 6th from 9am until 1pm at the McKay Centre on North Street in Goderich.  Ag. Society members will also be selling delicious homemade fudge.

The Makers Market features handmade, locally grown and fresh-baked items from Huron County’s talented crafters, artists, growers, makers and bakers. It’s an ideal spot to purchase wholesome products while supporting the local community.

Bayfield Ag. Society’s handmade fresh evergreen wreaths come with a beautiful bow of your choice and are composed of a selection of local greens on a grape-vine base. Homemade brown sugar fudge wrapped up in tasteful packaging will also be available for purchase. Be sure to stop by for a free sample of fudge!

All proceeds from wreath and fudge sales go toward funding the Bayfield Community Fair.

The calendar year is over for the Ag Society and its Annual Meeting will be held this Friday to celebrate the past year.  A potluck supper will be held at 6 pm in the basement of St. Andrew’s United Church.  This will be followed up with a presentation at 7:30 by Richard Fitoussi on Cold Viticulture in Huron.  The meeting will commence at 8.  Reports from the committees will be available for anyone to see what has happened over the past year.  Three people will be recognized for their commitment to the Society with Honorary Membership.  Members or non members of the public are invited to any portion of the evening to show their support for the Bayfield Ag Society.  All ideas for the next fair could be left with any of the Directors.

A few wreaths are still available.  In Goderich they will be at Riverline Nature Company on Kingston St. for the next 2 weeks.  Some will be in Bayfield at John & Kathleen Siertsema’s on Mill Rd. (opposite the water tower) or an order can be left by phone at 519.482.3020.

The festive spirit will be encouraged by activities planned by the Bayfield Ag Society. On the Christmas in Bayfield weekend youngsters will have the opportunity to decorate gingerbread cookies at the Library from 11:30 to 1:30 on Saturday November 8. All materials will be there and donations will be gratefully accepted. The children can also get a ride on or pet a pony on the same day right after the parade until about 2 pm. The ponies will be at Clan Gregor Square Park among all the decorations and rides will be by donation.
The Ag Society members have been busy making Christmas wreaths and some swags/tails. They will be for sale at the front of St. Andrew’s United Church on Friday November 7 and Saturday November 8. The wreaths are made from local evergreen boughs and are decorated with a bow. If anyone wants the wreath decorated, Anna Dalton-Needles (Landscape Designer) will decorate them for an additional fee. The wreaths will last well into January or February. If people cannot attend the weekend festivities, a wreath can be ordered by calling 263-2404 or Stonefield Garden Centre 482-3020,
The Agricultural Societies from Huron and Perth met for their annual meeting last week and it was hosted by the local Society in the Varna Complex. Some of our young people did very well in the poster competitions against all the other fairs in the District. Their skills at creating posters certainly makes the local Society very proud.
The annual meeting for the Bayfield Ag Society is coming along quickly. On Friday November 21 the meeting will be held in the basement of St. Andrew’s Church. It begins at 6 pm with a potluck meal. A guest speaker will take over at 7:30 and the meeting will begin at 8 pm. In addition to regular business, the meeting provides an opportunity to honour members who through their leadership have contributed a great deal over many years to the Society by presenting them with an honorary membership. This year the Directors decided to honour three people with this recognition. All are invited to join the meeting at any time throughout the evening and especially recognize the three new honorary members.