OAAS 175th Anniversary

A glimpse into the past provides a great deal of insight into the present. The OAAS is 175 years old this year!
Glancing at our history emphasizes the reality of the transformative change that has taken place for the Provincial body of the Agricultural Societies in Ontario and what is yet to come.  

 

 This is the official members' website for the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies.  The OAAS is the provincial association representing over 200 Agricultural Societies from across the province.  Its mission is a resource for its Members, by providing leadership through communication and education and encouraging the promotion of a rural way of life in Ontario.

PRESS RELEASE | THE OAAS CONVENTION
HAS “GONE VIRTUAL” TO CELEBRATE 175 YEARS

Thursday, February 25, 2021, 2:00 PM by Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies

CELEBRATING THE 175TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ONTARIO ASSOCIATION OF AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES AT THEIR “GONE VIRTUAL” CONVENTION

For Immediate Release

February 25, 2021 – For 175 years, the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies (OAAS) has been adapting to change, and this past week was no exception. For the first time in the organization's history, their annual Convention has “Gone Virtual,” which ran from Monday, February 15 until Saturday, February 20.

Despite the challenges of the rural Ontario internet, approximately 800 delegates participated in the Virtual Convention. The seminars covered topics as varied as risk management, post-COVID protocols for the safe staging of fairs and events, strategic planning, fundraising, and board governance.

The OAAS Convention offered entertainment, family showcases and the Tradeshow in a virtual format that allowed delegates to view them at their convenience during the week—having it delivered virtually provided an exciting opportunity for increased attendance at the over 30 seminars and allowed for prerecorded “Quick-Tip” videos throughout.

The Convention concluded with the OAAS Annual General Meeting where over 400 delegates representing close to 180 agricultural societies were in attendance. The OAAS is pleased to have been joined by Minister Ernie Hardeman, Minister MacLeod and Senator Rob Black, bringing their greetings, congratulations and continuing support to the OAAS and their Agricultural Societies.

Beth 2021

Beth Howell-Vervaecke

2021 OAAS Executive:

  • Beth Howell-Vervaecke, President 
  • Liz O'Gorman-Smit, 1st Vice President 
  • Glen Syme, 2nd Vice President 
  • Brian Slaughter, Past-President 

2021 Provincial Board of Directors:

  • Valerie Allen, District 1
  • Angie Robinson, District 2
  • Heather Owens, District 3
  • Andrew Iceton, District 4
  • Linda Murray, District 5
  • Heather Dillon, District 6
  • Andrew Taylor, District 7
  • Bart Scherpenzeel, District 8
  • Grace Mullen, District 9
  • Mike Dupuis, District 10
  • Carol Cann, District 11
  • District 12 (vacant)
  • Lauren Armstrong, District 13
  • Leonard Ripel, District 14
  • Randy Creighton, District 15

 

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For more information on the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies (OAAS) and our Ontario Agricultural Societies and their fairs, visit www.ontarioagsocieties.com 

Contact:
Vince Brennan, OAAS Manager
P: 613-395-2465
E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

#fairsareresilient

 

 

OAAS Logo 175th F

 OAAS 175th District Competition

Rules and Guidelines:

1. Create a 60-second promotional tape that could be used to endorse your District throughout a wide area.
2. It must not vary in length beyond 5 seconds of the 60-second duration.
3. It must contain the name of the District and within the tape represent each fair within the District in some fashion.
4. Must be created in MP4 or MPEG-4 video files or from a YouTube link.
5. Be mindful of licenses for any music used (tape should include recognition of any licensed music used)

Entry Due Date:

1. All entries must be received by December 1, 2020. No late entries will be part of the competition.
2. Entries to be sent on a USB thumb drive to Vince Brennan, 1911 Foxboro –Stirling Rd., Stirling, ON K0K 3E0 
    or send via WeTransfer at www.wetransfer.com (it’s free)
3. Prizes will be rosettes up to 3rd place.

REVISED: OAAS 175th Agricultural Society Competition

Rules and Guidelines:

1. Competition is open to all Agricultural Societies in good standing.
2. Only one photo image entry is permitted for each Agricultural Society.
3. Electronic photo image entry can be in black and white or colour.
4. Submitted photo image must be in a JPEG or PDF format
5. The photo image is to “best illustrate your Agricultural Society.”
6. When submitting the photo image, clearly indicate the Agricultural Society it illustrates.

Entry Due Date:
1. All entries must be received by December 1, 2020. No late entries will be part of the competition.
2. Entries to be sent to Kathryn Lambert, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
3. People’s Choice award will be a rosette.

Judges:
Judging will be handled electronically. Each person will get one vote during February 15-20 on the people’s choice for the picture that best illustrates an Agricultural Society.

OAAS Logo Virtual Convention F

 

 

As 2020 looked quite different for many, and we move closer to 2021 with much still unknown, the OAAS would like to provide support back to their Service Members.


For 2021 only, with a paid membership, every Service Member will receive a FREE tradeshow booth, via the virtual platform and if appliciable the opportunity to submit up to two (2) videos that can be used for a virtual ENTERTAINMENT SHOWCASE, at no additional cost.  

More details regarding service membership and these benefits please visit the OAAS website.