Abbotsford – Abbotsford Agrifair held its Annual General Meeting this past Wednesday night at Exhibition Park and announced they had reason to celebrate – a profit of $38,000 and an increase in attendance. Treasurer Bob Street stated the directors and staff worked diligently to stay within budget and had the goal of coming under. Success: budgeted expenses came in under $12,600 and budgeted revenue exceed by $23,000.
(The Fair had to weather the financial storm that has been a concern for all non-profits in the Fraser Valley. The Agrifair also ran without it’s rodeo, which like many rodeo’s, has come under scrutiny from animal rights groups. The Agrifair has insisted that when the rodeo was part of the Fair, that no abuse happened on site.)
President Silveri thanked Mayor and Council and support from the city staff including Parks, Recreation & Culture. And commented, “Without our dedicated sponsors to support this event with goods & services and funding, the Agrifair board and staff simply couldn’t produce this community event with the calibre of excellent entertainment.”
Fair Manager Melanie Kish added “volunteers are so very important to this organization, we have over 100 volunteers for the three days.” Silveri continued to thank the community for coming out and celebrating Canada’s 150th at the fair – “we had a great fair!”
2018 plans are in full swing, including returning favorites the Laughing Logger Show, Demo Derby, tons of animals, wrestling, FMX bike show, racing pigs & ducks, and the favorite 4-H program. Plenty of new and exciting attractions will be confirmed in the New Year.
The 2018 board of Agrifair: President Bob Street, Past President Ernie Silveri, Vice President Neil Watson, Treasurer Matthew Malkin, and Secretary David van Landuyt, directors include Naylene Beirnes, Keith Nash, Stephanie Nelson, Bonnie Nicholls, Poul Pedersen, and Cindy Rowell from the Antique Farm Machinery Association.
