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.

To: OAAS Membership,

Following our very successful Convention, we had no thoughts of the events that have unfolded.  We live in extraordinary times!  As we listen to the news of the COVID-19 crisis, we realize how our lives and activities are changing by the hour.  We all are listening to the medical experts and are now practising social distancing but we all come from a background of creating an environment where we encourage the congregation of people to participate in shared experiences.

At this time we must take our direction from the medical professionals.

The OAAS feels it needs to keep you informed as to the changes that we have been implementing over the last few weeks.  The Board would normally meet in person in early April to identify its priorities from the strategic plan and goals for its committees.  All of this will be completed by videoconferencing.  Directors would normally pick up all the promotional and fair materials for distribution to the Societies at that meeting.  All materials will be mailed to each individual Society in April now.

Several Districts have already postponed their Spring District Meetings and Judging Schools.  Some Districts might try to hold their Spring Meeting electronically just to keep the communications open.  Keep listening to see what your District's plans are.

Already you have been informed that the deadlines for keeping your judge's certification current has been extended.  The Board felt it would be a challenge to ensure all the judging schools took place when we live in such changeable times.

Agricultural Societies are already in the midst of making decisions on having their annual fairs.  In the process of your deliberations, do look at alternatives –could the dates be changed, could portions of the fair be split and done at different times in the year, could the focus be on only one part of the fair?  This is the time to possibly be innovative.  Do check your insurance coverage for any changes and do check with cancellation policies for the contracts you have signed or will sign.

The one thing we can be assured of is that nothing will be normal.  Each of us can help others in our Society or neighbouring Societies.  It is a time to stick together because we will get through this.  Fairs are that one thing that builds community, let's prove they can also build a positive spirit. 

Support one another and stay healthy.

Sincerely,

OAAS

"Teamwork makes a Society Strong"

 

The situation around the COVID-19 (coronavirus) continues to evolve, and the World Health Organization has now declared the outbreak a pandemic.  The Ontario Government has declared an emergency and the Federal Government has brought in strict guidelines to help contain the spread of COVID-19. We urge you to follow their directives regarding your activities. 

First and foremost, ensure the information you are receiving is credible. Credible resources include the World Health Organization (WHO), Health Canada and your own provincial health departments (links below).

Health Canada
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html

World Health Organization (WHO)
https://www.who.int/

Ontario Ministry of Health
https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus?_ga=2.266475530.529526911.1584127258-1150749849.1579808350

Government of Ontario 

https://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/03/ontario-enacts-declaration-of-emergency-to-protect-the-public.html

For more information

https://www.canadianfairs.ca/covid-19

Contact your insurance company to understand the implications for cancelling any events you may have. As pertinent news and information updates, especially applicable to fairs, exhibitions and events, become available, we will keep you updated.

If you have any concerns or need help, do not hesitate to reach out.

 

OAAS Logo 2017 F

What is the first impression your visitors have of your fair?  

Ontario Association of Agriculture Societies
First Impressions Program
Applications are now open for the 2020 First Impressions Program!

The First Impressions Program is a great program to give you new perspective on your fair - what is working well and what you can do to make it more appealing to your visitors.

Fairs are matched up with distance and size in mind and an exchange visit is made. Visiting teams are provided with training and an outline of criteria to assess.  When both visits have been completed, a report is prepared and presentations are made to describe what was observed.


"NEW" - FIRST IMPRESSIONS VIDEO

For more information on First Impressions Click here

There is a participation fee of $113.00 (100 + HST) payable to OAAS. This helps off-set the costs for training. Once Agricultural Societies have completed the requirements, the fee will be returned.

For more information about the First Impressions Program including the application form click here:
First Impression Program.

 

Application deadline May 1st 2020

CANCELLED FOR 2020

 

The OAAS has decided that with the current situation surrounding COVID 19 that First Impressions will not be offered this year. We invite you to consider it for your Fair in 2021.

Wishing you the best for the challenging 2020 Ontario fair season.

Please send payment to:
OAAS Manager  Vince Brennan
1911 Foxboro-Stirling Rd; R.R.# 4
Stirling, Ontario
K0K 3E0

If you still have questions email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

If paying by cheque please make it out to: OAAS