2012 Round Table Summaries

TOPIC #1: TEN WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR FAIR

Signage is very important (x4) eg on roads leading into grounds-2.5 miles away and main highways – include in city: directional (permanent)
Utilize your ambassador-on fairgrounds
Advance sales, midway online
Website is crucial (x2)
Facebook- good avenue (x4) draw for passes; announce/remind deadlines
Displays – in showcases
Admittance increase for special attractions
Thursday evening Ag Dinner- BBQ, Spaghetti, etc
Talent Showcase – local kids free participation
Sunday Family entertainment –separate admission
For kids- greasy pig (prize for all) pre-register
New attractions every 2-3 years ie highland games competition, "taste of oxford"
Judges – explain while doing job (reasons) to viewers or ongoing commentary
Have a midway!
Advertise- roadside bale display; community events; kijiji
Moving displays- create a new look
Schools- bring in displays – finish and hang in building – youth groups
Change your dates
Change your schedule (x2)
Expand programs – add programs
Ambassador/Junior Ambassador
Talent Show/Fair Idol/Variety Show
Create network at local fairs/festivals
Get media to broadcast from site
TV and radio station marketing (x2) – weather reports specific to fair names; running contests or promotions with coupons or admission tickets
Camping on grounds
Kids scavenger hunt (eg to find the ambassador)
Parade
Sponsorship- prizes
Diamonds and Denim- ladies night event. (Glencoe) Women want a night one- men serve, comedians present; mens fashions show.
Cut long programs short- revamp schedule
Kid friendly program available
Change classes (or drop some) try new
Sponsorship: organize levels- name days – guarantee publicity – give something in return
Look at fair with "new eyes" evaluate – visit other fairs with a checklist to share later
"Whats on today" at the gate- good event signage- daily updates!
Rearrange buildings- give new look
Consult with youth ie: if we took out the midway what would you like?
"School Challenge" – unusual games & challenges – school vs school- happens on first night of fair
Involve people in entertainment ie DJ with learn to line dance
Focus on creative programming!
Promotions
Tourism boards- calendar events
Make sections of your fair to other ethnic cultures
Add farmers market
Use more events at your fairgrounds
Big name entertainment – grant
Demolition derby
Qualifying horse event
Beer tent/dance/bands
Kids tent- stuff for them to do- a little down time and no cost- colouring books face painter etc

TOPIC #2: HOW TO ATTRACT OTHER CULTURES TO YOUR FAIR

Add categories for beadwork, dream catchers etc
Tap into special Olympics
Demos of quill work, basket weaving etc
A display of exotic vegetables using labels and how to use it
A display of different eggs (auracana) lays coloured eggs
Contact group homes for possible additions to the fair (special needs section)
Special education within the school system
Have a display of another culture of their customs
Find the correct label for this section
Specific classes (ie aboriginal, first nations etc), traditional paintings
Create a piece of art that closely depicts your heritage
Include an entry or tap into the Chinese new year

TOPIC #3: CHANGING YOUR EXHIBIT AREA

Controlling the removal homecraft early pickup took staffing at exit
Most keep the baked goods out on shelves and dispose- end of event
Managing storage
Controlling theft by keeping
Quilt revival- how to display- steel posts with pvs pipe- made for quilt show- rope off for security
Photography display: zig zag dividers- pin on or sheets of lattice with bulldog clips- take up considerable space
People expect to see things in same place each year- don't like change
Make change! Same old isn't always good
Do change for just 1 year- see what happens
Bring in other materials-wagons, bales, fencing
Utilize different heights, tiered

TOPIC #4: FAIRS WORKING ON A SHOESTRING BUDGET

Need sponsors
Trying to recorporate old ideas- bingo
Running events throughout the year
Biggest problem recruiting volunteers
Volunteers know each others jobs
Service groups give a specific task- give them a donation for helping out
Get community involved
If student has 300-400 hours volunteered can get gratuities of $500
Get students involved
Hang sign up "students- get your volunteer hours at the fair"
Seniors- love to help at fair- gets them back involved
Need younger people to explain how to do facebook-social media
Young people are shut down by those who have been on board a long time
Successful junior program- fair board decides something that they can give up and junior members run it
Something happened 20 years ago can't let it
Use ambassadors- all contestants are involved
Need bigger network for getting recruits
Go everywhere for sponsors
Pet show run by pet store or vet who then become judge
Community events- run by service group
Fairbook- do the corrections and changes yourself (cuts cost)
Encourage vendors to give our samples
Fairs working on a shoestring budget- 60% in that position
Arthur a donation fair
Encourage directors to bring in events throughout year
Fading due to lack of volunteers
Grounds owned by Ag. Society chews up a lot of budget for maintenance
Look for prizes everywhere
Biggest shoestring savings are the volunteers
Ask for donations wherever. Only 2 answers, yes or no!
Find a ticket into school- find a student who will get in
Orono- about 30% needs to be run by volunteers
Parking
Make own table cloths- not use plastic- green
Go to a store-sponsor 1 event- find the help- can advertise their business- takes pressure off directors for finding volunteers
Entertainment is usually expensive, DJ not work. Talent show worked- 3 categories: supply keyboard, drums
Focused on getting people to come back- Fun Factory- old fair games, simple- now have 26 games, 50 cents a game, trade chips for toy
Website- countdown clock
Fair/prize book- online for all but those with no computers
No midway (man died) – bouncy castles
Nixon program cut costs- data base programme- export to website
Fair book on municipality website
Garden tractor pull for kids- 2 age categories
4-H club runs dance for kids- snack food only cost
Need lots of people to man door
Celebrity dessert auction- no cost, made +$2,000 last year, Volunteer auctioneer- while ambassadors decision being made (went to businesses-2 days got 40- now have to limit entries)
Drive in bingo
Combine events that mesh
Agracadabra- not too expensive
Local talent (x2)
Tom Bishop Wild West Show. 3,500-self contained (3/4 paid through sponsorship
RCMP ride. Too expensive unless close to city, travel cost (but Bayfield getting for free- horses fed and stabled)
Opening ceremonies- competition for dignitaries
Fairs on same weekend- share entertainers
Commodity groups- fairs combine to buy signage
Local country talent 7pm, Battle of the Bands 9pm- prize: a recording with Tragically Hip (local to fair)
Farmers Olympics-
Out house race, zucchini race (Maberley)
As many volunteers as can
Really advertise what can see for your gate fee
Have musical ride- its free- have to be prepared for crowds
Canada Day games- to advertise and community service
Battle of the Schools changed to Minute it Win It (google) fun activities ie empty a Kleenex box
Fair Factor- Similar to Fear Factor
Family Rodeo
As sponsorship- grocery stores- discount for food for volunteers etc (tea, coffee, cookies, squares)
Do own food booths
Kids games
-Arm Wrestling; everyone throws a loonie in a pot . winner gets the pot.

TOPIC #5: INEXPENSIVE ENTERTAINMENT FOR ALL AGES

3 legged race (x2)
Treasure hunt through fair
Money hunt in soil, bale of straw or shavings (x2)
Hay ring toss
Water balloon toss
Egg relay on spoon
Large bale races, with wheel barrows
Stay on bale of hay
Rope horns on square bale/lariat roping (x2)
Team rolling of large bales 4-6 youth on team
Tug of war (x2)
Trail maze using large bales-watch playing on top
Pedal tractor pull (x4)
Pedal tractor maze – through maze of haybales
Log sawing (x2)
Nail hammering (x2)
Baby shows (x3) (category suggestions: chip off the old block; look alike)
Male clothes hanging contest (x2)- 1 minute timed, see how many clothes can be hung on line in time period (and stay on line) – celebrities
Bale toss
Watching the youth and their talents ie singing and dancing
Zucchini race-design ahead of time (with wheels etc) then race the zucchinis
Teddy bear parade (dress the teddy bear up to theme) for kids under 5
Guessing contest for amounts of candy-any age. Use large pickle jars- different variety each year
Have big pails (ice cream are best) clipped together then have youth pitch beach ball to pail when lands on pail youth get prize in pail
Fashion show watching youth model clothes
Music from local schools-use music teacher to help organize (x2)
Sponsor a pie- then auction off pies. Prize $100.00 for best pie- turn it into a fundraiser.
Sell off the pies that have been put into competition-entertainment of the auction
"Got Talent" contest- pay entry fee, prizes
Folk Clubs-come and bring entertainment- only cost to fair is passes to performers
Fold out stage- tractor/wagon
Local talent combined with ambassador contest
Home depot- free craft activities for children
Fiddle/step dance contest- full day activity at Collingwood
Pet shows (x4) (chip off the old block; look alike competition) (local vet or pet store to judge) any kind of pet goes
Demos-sheep shearing, cow milking
Arm wrestling
Antique machinery demo- threshing machines etc
Lawn mower races (x2)- old lawn mowers, no deck- ages 10-16
Horse pull
Field tractor pull
Turkey chase with dignitaries – on stage
Local entertainment- up and coming bands
Give the stage to talent show winner
Talent show/search (x5)
Rotate performers every year or two
Set up kids zone
Kiddie corral- partner with Early Years Centre
Partner with organizations
Provide interactive exhibits
Pork chop scrabble
Incorporate Ag Awareness interactive with animals
Local dance school perform
Mini tractor pull for the kids
Balloon catapult competition
Duck bingo/bossy bingo
Duck races
Ice cream sundae decorating contest (x2)
Bale decorating contest
Scarecrow decorating contest
Battle of the bands for the teens- sponsored with local radio
Kids tent-free for participants
Fairboard sponsored car in demo derby- set up in kids tent-could sign
Balloon artist
Face painting (x2)
Crayons and picture to colour
Grain tables with farm toys
Petting zoo (x3) with animals bought fair volunteers or locals
Cookie decorating
Craft make and take
Food demonstrations- Judy and Scott Weldon judyfoodie.ca
Commodity groups-demos
Euchre tournament- on seniors day. Pay to play- prizes
Education day- schedule with schools- various stations= cow milking, sheep shearing
High school cheerleaders
Square dance clubs
Dance groups-demos
Toilet bowl races (porcelain pony)
Game shows: deal or no deal, minute to win it – pay to participate- prizes given
Hillbilly race
Sewing demonstrations
Ag awareness
Set a theme and go with it
Harness Olympics (age 12 and under) bale toss, water bucket carry
Kids tent- all activities and play area at back of tent and entertainment
Musical chairs (x2)
Karate showcase
Tractor pull
Arrow shoot-bales and brick building for safety backdrop
Singing competition
Penny sale- only cost involved is ticket printing (x2)
Wheel of cake - $2 per spin winner gets free cake (cakes are donated)
Racing- 4 wheel racer- kids push with plunger
Kick the shoe- get in to tractor tire
Outhouse races – look online for requirements (x3)
young karaoke contest- divide into 2 age groups (younger youth and older youth)
Tent with music
Maple syrup making relay
Feeding/milk of cow relay
Sponsors (eg McDonalds) for youth prizes
Family area
Sandbox (filled with corn) donate things to play in corn
Wiggle cars in roped off area
Use local kids to paint scenes to have pictures taken with
Farmer Olympics
Bubble gum spit contest – tissue to youth to pick up gum
Have a farmer bale a large hay bale with popsicle sticks then at fair have the youth find them, then they get money for the stick
Cow pie bingo
Cake walk- roulette wheel- if lands on square then you pick the cake-members bring in the cakes-spin when all the squares are picked
Theme basket sale- sell tickets on children and adult themed baskets. Sell tickets ahead of time 3 for $5
Little ticket draws- have tickets near displays. Youth then sign name after looking at display and then they have a draw and youth gets small prize.
Big tires set up in area- play around them
Arms and bodies wrapped in duct tape (backwards) the youth roll in candy – candy sticks to duct tape
Rabbit petting- get to sit and hold a rabbit to pet
Picture taking with animals
Jungle cat world- bring exotic animals- show it then let kids touch (get sponsors for this)
Give time for youth to perform (showcase)
IDOL contest
Horses-putting on horse shoes
Sheep shearing
Bed races- local teams race beds. Stick to theme (during fair) decorated beds. Timed and length
Mom calling contest- youth calling for mom
Rooster crowing contest- adults and youth
Celebrity milking contest
Kids perform and are given a ribbon and a twoonie ( or ride ticket)

TOPIC #6: HOW TO SET UP A FARMERS MARKET

at fair time
still have to pay for entrance to fair
"at farm gate" vendors
local municipality put out maps of at farm gate vendors
have to check by-laws- all areas are different
yearly rental of space
cooperative venture- market open for the special events held on the fairgrounds
open the same hours for the a) home and garden show and b) fall into winter show
market closed during the fair-space problems
problem: how to restrict the market to farm produce- small businesses trying to sell jewelry etc
watch out for competitors. E.g. same producers are at most markets.
Think of the traffic flow
Watch day of week; traffic flow e.g. home from work/on the way to cottage country; at fairs on the way out so they don't carry it
Fee for season or commission space charge
"flea market" vs farmers market- try to include both?
Include artists
In an arena- some feel it needs to be visual so the arena was difficult
Farmers market- every second week of summer
Flyers around town
Concerns: health inspectors for food to be eaten at the event
Have space where vendors can leave supplies, equipment
If meat is frozen, can come to market- fresh meat presents a whole different issue.
In Niagara, one "work station" per building, connecting with health and food
Organic –specialty – showcasing- put into publicity
Vehicle to spot so they can unload/pull out of back
Esthetics is very important- people will walk away if it looks junky
People don't "dig" like hey used to- set it up so it is shiny eg apples
Close to parking
Hwy frontage
June to September
Paid weekly or for whole season
Health and safety check?
Lot of fairs want to start market just at fair time
Certified kitchens
Constant vendors
Signage- well before market so people can plan to shop
Letters to farmers or anyone who sells produce to create a market
Tourist draw- people on way to cottage
Vendors licences
Everyone pays same rental
Vendors need to come prepared for weather
10 x 10 space
some charge by square foot
honey/flowers
maple syrup
eggs
fresh vegetables
coolers/refrigeration

TOPIC #7: MAKING OPENING CEREMONIES EXCITING

Em cee- radio personality; ambassador
Em cee – ad lib
Em cee- play to the crowd
Time for opening ceremonies (length)
Must change both arrangement of activities
Ambassador program- part of ceremony (x2)
Donors- part of ceremony
Band
Separate evening- social- invite local fairs
Limit time of ceremony
Limit of who comes (students only)
Draws
Location of ceremony
Parade-important
Alumni- award or speech
Ambassadors/presidents (x2)
Ambassador competition-surprise grab bag of questions
After 'treats' – social
Local talent
Generations attend
Local celebrity
Auction off the 1st place baking
Mayors challenge after official opening – sack race etc
Lipsync during ambassador competition- showcase not judged (x2)
Past ambassador/dignitary in community – prethank/done faster
Connects with theme of fair
Be creative
Turkey chase-live/live goat milking
Follow parade
Announce
Chilli cook-off
IDOL entertainment
Past presidents
Celebrity
Talent show
Bursary award- come to open/passed away volunteer
Arrange around event
Auction off pies
Tug of war
New culture showcase
Youth involved
School choir
Parade- school aged children
Antique tractor parade
Entertainment
"fun" beauty contest (males dress up) voted
pipers
introduce dignitaries from the floor
Cake decorating
Pie auction- knowledgeable auctioneer- knows crowd
Good MC- helps to keep things moving; hired entertainer; radio station announcer; get fairboard member
Presidents message- announces new activities
In advertising- unexpected visitor/guest
Set the mood for fun
Screen with video- local entertainment
Celebrity marshall (ie Brantford- Walter Gretsky)
TOPIC#8: PARTNERING WITH OTHER FAIRS
Sharing equipment(x2)
Advertising – radio
Tri-country calendar
Database of equipment (mini tractors)
Applying for grants (computer program)
Training-judging schools, execute workshops (x2)
Share fair beer garden volunteers
Small boards need to work together
Lots of sharing of manpower, supplies
Sometimes hard at first- live in a cocoon
Fairs go together for grants etc (x2)
Sharing of entertainers (x2)
For government funding
Understand each others frustrations
Don't have to "train" them
Extra-fundraisers- steal ideas
Truck and tractor pull and go to other fairs and help out at other fairs
Ag awareness
Harmonize entering
Pizza days at schools and assist
Challenge of helping out at other fairs due to farming
Develop resource base
Give tickets to other fairs when kids win first prize when they enter
Communication- clear
Leadership training
Recreation department help with garbage and gates, town truck
Parks and recreation- face painting etc child find
Soccer, baseball, 4-H, snowmobile clubs
Farmers markets
Flyers, fair books and sponsorship
Paper placemats done ahead for advertising sold ahead of time

TOPIC #9: MAKING DISTRICT MEETINGS WORTHWHILE

Use of door prizes
Use of silent auctions
Use of speakers
Use of luncheon to make at all day
Use of workshops
Use of different topics for guest speakers i.e HST, LCBO, related to fairs
Use round table topics/multiple
Use of ambassadors/mini workshops for them
Make communication between fairs easier to release positive and negative aspects/ be more open instead of keeping all trade secrets private within 'your own fair'
Take survey from district delegates to ask them what delegates are looking for in guest speaker topics
Review and update district constitution
Send out survey after meeting to get results on fall/spring meeting
Fair reports prepare ahead of time and put into booklet, released to take back to your own fair
Need good guest speaker
One district has entertainment at noon
Venting session for some
Local speakers are good
Ambassador program – district 13 – etiquette – make them interesting
How to get people out for meeting
Whoever is running the meeting should be organized
Good pre-planning meetings
Send letter to fairs ahead of time for concerns etc. 2 months ahead
Plan a small tour after lunch to a quilting store, or farm to wake up everyone and revitalize the meeting
One district (12) has district meeting in morning, then has lunch and after lunch does a judging school. Anyone who is not interested in being a judge is free to go. Some stay just for the interest
Sometimes we have done a craft for about an hour after lunch to wake everyone up. Plan a small craft that can be completed in one hour.

TOPIC #10: SIGNAGE ON THE WAY TO THE FAIR

"welcome to my town" signs- ask municipality to put up as people enter your town
many regulations/costs to put up on highway
Make a big sign, put on wheels and put in someone's field (less regulations)
Haybale signs in fields – good but lots of work
Nail 24x24" to fence posts
Sandwich boards in the village
Paint on side of buildings – up all year
Say "weekend after labour day" "first weekend of June" instead of changing dates (x2)
Plaster your town like election time
Keep info on signs basic so they can be reused
Lawn and garden decorating contest
Light post signs
Try to find an option that is year round, not just two weeks before- need a mix
At fair- a frame sign by office, gate pamphlet, big map on coreplast, pocket sized cards that fit in pocket
Brochures- exhibitors, gate brochure, kids/school book (11" x 17")
Add website address to signs
Billboard – try applying for a grant
Try having a contest (lawn display of fairs theme, judged by local fair members)
Flyers around area
Lawn signs around town and area
Large sign on fairgrounds building
Signs around fairgrounds
Event sheet handed out to people as they come in (have major sponsors on it) this can be done in house or by printer
Make up flyer to be handed out to school children listing events of interest to them
Ask people as they enter where they heard about the fair
Use Jack Lynch to advertise on TV. This is free. He also puts your info on websites and radio for free. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Put in local paper for weeks before in coming events
Round bale at different corners with signs to the fairs
Sign competition with agricultural prod.
Scarecrows put up to fair weekends
Signs inside with fence rails
Corplast signage easy to work with
Signage may have to be bilingual
Sign companies may upkeep signs at a rate
Check with MTO and County regulations
A-Frame signs
Banners for homecraft disciplines
Local sign shops sometimes will give a discount
Keep colour uniform
Some companies will do signage at a general rate
Link with other festivals
Mobile signage about same price point as newspaper ads
Signage 1 month before fair (and 1 month after to get them all removed)
Partner with your city of commerce
Signage- be prepared for them to be removed by municipality (grass cutting) or just theft/vandalism
Celebrate Ontario Grant (available to include signage)
Pocket signs
Signs with changeable dates
Signs on farm fence
Competition to decorate your yard
Store fronts
Make it a town event
Maps to make finding events
Road signs
Colour bright/large letter
Barrels in horse ring with website info
Road banner promoting the fair
Theme as your advertising
Sandwich board directions

TOPIC #11: ENCOURAGING PAST EXHIBITORS TO RETURN

Have your database. Keep track of previous exhibitors and in what section. Send them a letter/contact them (x2)
Get them as volunteers
Emailing the sections
Get their opinions on categories
Special categories for past exhibitors
Exhibitor workshops
Have committees phone past exhibitors
Exhibitors are allowed to attend judging school.
Ask past exhibitors to make items for judging school
BBQ inviting past exhibitors
Ask to join committee
Giving supplies to exhibitors to work with
Send out prize list to current and 1 year past
Print names of winners past- they might see name from years past
Be welcoming- take care of items entered
Appreciate with ribbons
Advance list
Put in flyers
Put on municipal website
Ambassador
Get into schools
Column in paper
Volunteers get passes
Recognized by volunteer
Why did they leave? What can we do to get you back?
Change list to fit their needs
Gather information through suggestion box
Draw for exhibitors
Change how you display
Up prize list
Encourage new exhibitors
Mail prize list to past exhibitors
Put out prize list early
Put in classes for guides, scouts etc
Contact home school
Collect email address to advise when prize lists are ready
Personnel contact phone
Website for breed group- send list
Put prize list in craft stores, feed stores
Go through other fair list
Prize list online
Coffee pot early in the morning for livestock
After fair, pot luck thank you dinner
Prize list for new exhibitor
Talk to exhibitor about what they would like to see
Have church service at fair to expose people that do not know what the fair is

TOPIC #12: LEARNING ABOUT NEW CRAFTS

New crafts- whats new category
Suggestion box
Internet
Craft stores, quilting stores, yarn stores- sponsor new class for new ideas only
Pair adult and youth for same thing eg. Paper bag vest – individual and pair prizes
Guilds- workshops and demos at fair
They can see their stuff
Craftideas.info craftgossip.com familyfun.go.com
Example: workshop at 2pm, judging at 3pm. Local merchants to sponsor. Quick make and take.
Listen to your exhibitors!
Either attach to exhibitors item or give to them at end of fair- a form to fill out to request any new crafts that they might like to see
In your fair book- have an item that is "any new craft, not previously listed"- could have many entries to judge that are different – next book pick some of the popular items to create classes
Go to Google "Pintrest" or "craft ideas" to get new
Type of craft "pet sweater"
Category " fun stuff" – mom and tot craft
Pick a "wearable art" craft and have a fashion show at 3pm at the fair- paper vest, duct tape creation
Do a kite, lampshade
Felting, raw edge appliqué
Thread painting

TOPIC #13: HOW TO KEEP HAND QUILTING ALIVE

Quilt in frame at fair- anyone can drop and put stitches in
Teach terminology
Prize list has quilt tops
Categories for church groups and other groups
Regular classes
Approach quilting guilds (x2)
Local quilter club give info at fair
Fairboard- buys materials- give blocks to people to quilt and bring back to fair to judge. Then someone puts blocks together. Sell tickets for quilt next year
Quilting workshop to teach how to quilt
Workshop on what prize list means
Mystery top class prize- ie pickles, quilting, pies etc
Demonstrations- start on small project
Quilt blocks- beginner, intermediate and expert
Display quilts attractively
Get prize money up so worthwhile
Get sponsors
Use small frame so don't overwhelm new to quilting
Co-ordinate quilting guild rules and fair- OAAS rules (x2)
Don't put emphasis colour coordination
Get 4-H involvement (x2)
Bring in collapsible frames
Quilting school- with that the quilt is done to sell tickets at the fair (community quilt)
Encourage a quilters guild to have a competition (x2)
Encourage junior fair to quilt a block for a competition (x2)
Advertise quilting lessons
Have a quilting fair display
Encourage as a judge to your exhibitors what they could do to make a "first place winner" on the back of exhibitors entry card
Add new sections- especially smaller articles- placemats, pot holders
Change OAAS rules for smaller quilts ie crib
Get back to being practical- cost, time- just show pieces no done for family members only-risk of damage
March break- quilt day/craft day
Get part of fair books out to fabric stores/quilt shops

TOPIC #14: MANAGING PETS AT YOUR FAIR

Responsibility/liability for pets
Pet owners need to understand their pets' behaviour and reactions- there is a lot of stimuli at fairs- people, other animals, noise, machinery
Signage- no people read signs/take responsibility for cleaning up after their pets
People with allergies should be aware of their own limits and be prepared to deal with their reactions
Charge for pets
Muzzle dogs (x2)
Animals showing (calf) are insured- pets are not
Direct people with pets to gate after pet show
Advertise well in advance no pets allowed
Cochrane- pet show Friday night; Saturday morning livestock comes in and many pets around not on leash
Remedies- rules state all dogs and pets must be on leash
District 10- all pets MUST be on leash. No pets allowed unless working dogs and must leave after show. Pet show-arrange later in the day- approx. 2 hours children tired after and want to go home.
District 2- problem with dogs urinating on kids area- hay bale maze- made rule "no dogs allowed" but want to have dog show
District 10- problem with working dog- feeling they have the right to take dog right up to cow with calf and cow almost jumping gate to protect
Dogs taking part should have a ribbon or something to identify them
Program – all animals (including house bold pets) must be leashed
"please use common sense"
owners are responsible for all actions of their pets
Problem: neighbours bringing their dogs for walks or free ranging- plus pet show dogs getting loose
For clean up signage "children play here-please clean up"
Dogs tied up, jumping on people
Suggestion- $5 admission for dogs
Tried no pets, but some midway people, exhibitors bring dogs
Restrict dogs in certain buildings/barns
Dogs "part of the family"
Grounds are walking area for community
Dogs needs to be under control at all times
Incident- Doberman tied to fence, growling at people, security called, owner asked to leave
Dogs left in car at fair
Pet show day: some people aren't taking the dog home afterwards
Cancelled pet show
Bags are checked for knives and pets
After pet show all pets leave grounds
Horses are banned if not in show or competitions

TOPIC #15: FREE AG EDUCATION/ACTIVITY IDEAS FOR KIDS

Petting zoo (x2)
Colouring pages
Crafts
Machinery, threshing machine, corn being ground
Pony rides
6'x6' box with beans or corn and little tractors for kids to play with (x3)
Someone is in the area watching
Home depot supplies craft materials (x2)
Wood carving group came with carved cones and kids painted them
Lowes, Rona will also supply materials(x2)- boy scouts helped kids make items
Get high school kids who need community hours to help
Farmers Olympics- bale tossing, wheelbarrow race, wash tub hang up clothes)-timed activity, nail driving, cow milking, cow patty bingo
Barnyard Olympics ages 8-12, teenage group
Mini tractor pull
3 compartment box- kids put their hand in and guess what is in it related to agriculture
spinning wheel (crown and anchor type) with categories-questions on cards according to age- they can win a little prize
baby chicks being hatched
rabbits
mini horses
Signs with animals & their babies, painted, very eye catching
Passports- go to each area and get a sticker
Dress up area (dress up as a farmer) (x2)
Plant potatoes
Pick apples (wooden apple tree, plastic apples)
Picking up eggs in a basket
Bags of grains (guess what they are)
Things in boxes (guess what they are)
Farm tour
Farm gate to your plate
Lumberyard scrap wood- make birdhouse
Approach guilds to do demonstrations
Local aboriginal – talk to elders to come & do beading, working with leather
Add aboriginal component- help with grants
Oprah and Andy- tractor drive around (x2)
Dairy board display
Chicken farmers of Ontario
Kiddie Corner- colour table, playdough, different activities
Work with early years centre to help with you children programs (x2)
Button machine- partner with local ag society
Education day for kids at fair- education encouraged by school board, all day Friday eg. Pizza project
Separate area for kids
Separate ag education day with stations explaining agriculture
Do demonstrations- make necklaces "how does a seed grow"
Tool displays- 100 mile radius of what is grown
Children love to touch
Hear bugs "eat"
Ag awareness program available
Use 4-H as resources/volunteers
Peoples choice pet show for farm animals
Primary division (0-6) elementary (7-12)
New activities could be based on fair theme
Approach colleges for early childhood education students as volunteers
Interactive displays for younger children
Rabbit show- each child gets $1 for bringing it
Use ambassador
Water trough full of barley, easter eggs with paper and prizes
Pizza project
Partnering with the schools