Year-Round Homecraft Duties

• look throughout the year to find people to volunteer to do displays
• work on display materials and props throughout the year
• “tweek” & improve prize lists
• provide workshops for baking, canning and educate about the rules of exhibiting
• fundraise – workshops, dinners, crafters weekend, sell space to work on own crafts during fair, barbeques at local supermarket, raffles/auctions

Maintaining Rural Roots in an Urban Driven Society

• education – petting farm, corn box, farm toys
• “Roots of Bruce” – grade 6 kids bussed to Walkerton, commodity groups & Ag Society sponsor buses
• livestock shows
• sponsor farmers’ market – must become member, have fair name on their ads
• school show
• have grade 3 & 4 classes present during judging to see how to do it
• do small Jr. prize book
• have stations on grounds including entertainment
• funnel classes through tent with a grocery store set up
• use passport to get them around - use pictures of objects or president for points
• use “Traveling Charlie” pictures in various places for prizes
• develop urban programs – art class, photographic class, country store
• ethnic community missing
• hold special tour for families
• encourage people to come earlier with a 2-stage admission – earlier is cheaper
• include school programs
• have youth groups, i.e. Scouts, skating & sports clubs, work at fair
• use target advertising
• have affordable youth programs
• youth is door to ethnic community, “bedroom” citizens
• youth is reason for families to get involved
• have main entrance at agricultural awareness area
• promote activity that will be available at another event
• it’s a mobile society now
• challenge rural, urban and businesses to promote the fair

Bio-Security with Live Animals

• use wash stations at entrances & exits
• have signs and friendly verbal reminders
• have recommendation for manure disposal in a contained area
• use foot bleaching pan with fake carpet
• have vet “on call” or on-site day of fair
• have tarp available for animal in distress
• no food allowed in livestock area – no visible eating
• appoint someone to make sure hand wash stations are operational
• pet shows – require proof of vaccination, deworming, tags – do you check?
• have animals on leash and/or muzzled
• have animals under control at all times
• bio-security info package available from OMFRA
• take photos of signs & hand wash stations, with correct date stamp, so you can prove “due diligence”
• have a farm animal display NOT a petting farm – serious insurance implications
• disinfect barns before use

Ideas for District Meetings

• each fair does a display
• use church sanctuary to display
• idol winners as entertainment
• spring meeting very casual, usually 2 people from each fair
• have meeting in evening
• have round table discussions, i.e. security, gates, “hot button” topics
• quick sharing of ideas – 5 second discussions
• have demonstrations – card making, chocolate making, maple candy making
• speaker suggestions – local historians, safety at fair, social media, volunteer recruitment, local teacher on how to get kids on board
• invite ambassadors
• food – soup & salad, local fare
• use agenda
• keep things moving, maintain interest
• fund raising – loonie auction, penny sale, silent auction
• have door prizes, coupons from local merchants
• keep it social to keep from being boring
• share ideas, what works, compare notes, share resources

Keeping Agriculture Alive at Small Fairs

• use passport system – stamp at every destination, prizes
• Ag Awareness – live animals, sheep hearing, milking, bees, egg incubator
• better signage, info board maybe at gate, times and events
• keep up with technology – bar codes for smart phones to find out what & where
• maintain 4-H shows
• develop breed shows
• have western horse show
• use Agriculture in the Classroom program
• have ag awareness tent
• ambassadors go to schools
• include goat, alpaca, llama shows
• have Heritage Day for schools
• petting farm
• have surveys on lap top computers
• use niche farmers and commodity boards to set up/send demonstration/displays
• have OAAS as a resource to find exhibitors that will travel to your fair
• have pedal tractor pull
• potato peeling contest
• find the popsicle stick in the hay bale or use small “give aways” from commodity groups

Entertainment Under $500

• local entertainers – music, clowns, face-painting
• talent show – all varieties, all ages
• get sponsors for more expensive acts
• cake wheel – donated cakes and “roulette” wheel
• corn box – corn donated by feed mill, farm toys
• fun dog show
• cake decorating contest by dignitaries of fair, municipal council, etc.
• pet show
• obstacle course of hay bales
• “backseat driver” – blindfolded drive on golf cart
• air band or battle of the bands competition
• “fashion show” – men in ladies’ clothing, etc.
• “best legs” contest – put people behind sheet and show only legs
• testing competition
• “Deal or No Deal” competition
• “Win It In A Minute”
• outhouse race
• human truck pull
• bale throwing, big bale rolling, farmers’ Olympics
• turtle/frog races – competitor supplies animal
• cake walks – spin wheel for toonie and win donated cakes
• baby show
• auctions – pies made by ambassador contestants, other “celebrities”
• lawnmower races

Midway & Vendor Issues

• most have a midway and work on a percentage basis
• have a good relationship between midway and fairs
• more than 1 person should have contact & know what is going on as some fairs have experienced their knowledge of contacts, midways, verbal agreements leaving when their director or president leaves
• there are verbal agreements
• things to consider - date
• flexibility of date
• hydro requirements for midway & vendors
• rides appropriate for crowd
• selling prearranged ticket sales, non-refundable a good idea 4

• vendors - midway contracts may have restrictions in contracts, i.e. food, no similar products, watch contracts
• some midways and fairs have conflicts in this area
• watch for non-licensed stuff being sold (knock-offs), be proactive
• space prices – outside and inside space rental varies low to high
• must consider length of fair, economics, location, size of booth, type of venue, i.e. farmers’ market special event, fair
• - problems – vendors don’ want to pay if they lose money – should get payment up front deposit, non-refundable option
• midways usually charge higher prices to the vendors than the fair
• smaller community vendors don’t or can’t afford insurance
• contracts can have confidentiality and hence can’t speak openly and network with others

Where Does Homecraft Fit In Today?

• changing and fitting into modern times
• senior people with fewer younger to assist and participate
• use the Jr. section to encourage participation
• demonstrations of new techniques
• examine your prize books and keep them up-to-date
• change judges every 2 years
• educate the public
• laminate your rules for each section and post them at the fair for the public to see
• communicate
• assist
• encourage
• follow the rules
• “It’s always the Directors who win the prizes”
• have grade school in to view the judging process
• no young exhibitors
• bring in modern recipes – incorporate ready mixes
• healthy eating products
• encourage youth to assist with entries
• have next year’s prize list ready when fair day is here
• junior fair prize list sent to schools
• school visits during judging
• nearly finished article
• first time exhibitor
• senior’s exhibits
• group display open to any group family award section – points toward plaque award
• Juniors show in Senior section with paid membership
• sewing and quilting are dieing
• change wording and make sections more general, i.e. pj’s change to leisure wear
• change of economy, i.e. out of work
• update with times, i.e. long arm quilting over hand-quilting
• purchase item and then decorate item, i.e. b-b-q apron decorated
• judge on appearance as opposed to made from scratch
• taking exhibits in before night
• get other fair books for new ideas
• have teach on board to give ideas and sit on board
• difficulties with school boards for participation with school work
• some school boards do work with fairs
• go to daycares for exhibits
• ribbons for kids, some give out money
• keep ribbons from exhibits, others return for recycling
• samples with exhibits
• only show quilts one year
• Girl Guides do tied quilts
• show Grandma’s quilt from storage
• Memory Lane – doilies, tatted item, quilts
• signature quilt on display for memories
• modern, i.e machine embroidery, photo quilt, machine quilting
• quilt exhibits are down because older people are not doing them
• if there is no Homecraft, there is no fair
• exhibits show 1 and 2 years
• new every year in Jr. division
• change hall location to increase exhibits
• go to quilt shops with advance class list
• give $24 to $30 for 1st prize quilts
• prize for youngest exhibitor
• exhibits not picked up at end of fair
• culinary – no refrigeration
• some longer fairs only display 1 slice
• canning section judge for display only, not open for tasting
• ugliest cake made by a kid, but edible
• limit size on art work
• block challenge in spring – 2 year to make quilt then raffle draw
• memorial section for cancer quilt
• “touch quilts” judged then donated
• increase digital photography
• youth exhibiting in adult class/section
• scrap booking is increasing
• 25-year-old items display
• fairs still have 2 divisions, i.e. ag and homecraft

How Can a Fair Survive on a Small Budget?

• ask Chamber of Commerce to sponsor
• use local entertainment
• “scarecrows” wander grounds entertaining – have sponsors names on scarecrows, possibly use members dressed up
• start 4-H poultry club
• increase signage using sponsors’ names – put signs in prominent places
• hand out brochures in stores, malls, etc. with highlights of fair
• get schools involved
• reduce length of fair
• encourage Ambassdor program – brings families together
• have “Homecoming Weekend”
• have displays of livestock instead of competitions
• use model cow from Dairy Farmers of Ontario (free)
• rent facility for winter storage
• make your fair fit into the community (size)
• have 4-H look after a program for tiny tots
• steal ideas from other fairs J
• fill plastic swimming pool with balls or corn for play area
• “Mine for Gold” – prizes in corn, blindfold participants, scoop corn looking for prizes
• encourage teens to get credit hours volunteering at fair
• ask children what they would like to have at fair
• go to schools & demonstrate an article from prize list to encourage exhibitors
• keep ambassadors involved throughout the year
• have past ambassadors run talent section of next year’s ambassador program

Making Big Changes to Your Fair’s Traditional Schedule of Events

• midway-like fun ground
• location of drive ways
• buildings around outside area
• own grounds/municipality
• everyone has to own/buy into changes and benefits of changes
• advertise the change – get the changes out there
• moving vendors to different space – different layout
• bring ideas for youth – change around
• know your audience
• have a company/person come in and assess your buildings/grounds – what is best for what
• utilize all of the grounds
• make one change at a time – add new building, change building exhibits are in, pave parking lot
• getting people to the fair – directions, signage
• bring in something new to replace something old
• move placement of events around
• most boards have committees set up to handle separate parts of the fair
• how do you manage change with “long standing directors”
• can’t get people to try something different
• what are people changing?
• diverse board helps to get discussion moving
• best ideas on last night of fair – relaxed, flexible
• brainstorming at convention then report back to Board
• big changes get put in front of Director/members
• get Directors on side before meeting to see where everyone sits
• Directors get “sick” of doing the same thing every year, public wants new attractions
• how do you tell people about a change? - advertise, signs at gates, social media, focus on new stuff, try to have something new every year
• hard with midways – same rides, other midways try something new
• front office program through OMAFRA – get another fair to give a fresh perspective
• director switch – switch portfolios to give new perspective on Board
• to make a change – float new idea to gauge the Board, gather input/feedback, get “buy-in” from key people, risk assessment/economic impact, formal proposal to Board and vote
• being stricter with insurance/abiding by others rules – need to be strict with exhibitors to get them to abide by rules/insurance; hold back prize money, if needed; be firm; include in entry forms and then enforce
• what constitutes schedule?
• what new events can we try?
• who decides on changes – executive or general membership?
• use signage effectively to communicate change
• advertise changes to preserve traditional audience
• involve participants and performers in changes
• consider your competition when booking entertainment or events
• make sure your volunteers understand changes
• introduce variety of entertainment
• integrate with local businesses – introduce things like coupon booklets for local companies
• where do you find new events? trade show, conventions, local festivals
• is it worth introducing social media to try to draw teenagers and younger children? How about games for young children?
• add a parade
• focus on young children (10-12) not so much teenagers
• what draws children and young families?
• offer a prize to kids for visiting stations at the fair (get stamps)
• bow out when passion ebbs
• make gradual changes moving forward to open eyes of older members
• fair needs a vision
• have each director mentor someone
• if you don’t have a vision for the future you are waiting to close
• there is seed money available for Farmers’ Markets
• identify skills missing from board, i.e. farmer, retail person, financial, manager, etc.

Ideas to Celebrate Fair

• 160th - had old steam engines
• did mini-steam show
• antique steam show
• Breakfast Club – group of old guys drive tractors to coffee club
• 100th - big supper, invited all directors/secretaries, past & present
• 150th - special theme
• Director milestones 
• volunteer milestones
• have them open the fair
• invite all ambassadors/queens from past, reunion
• quilt - everyone does a block
• produce a cook book
• Christmas float in parade
• build up to milestone, build an atmosphere
• antique tractor show, need someone passionate to take the lead
• 50 years working gate – gave golden money apron
• years of service – make sure to award people
• start early, don’t plan last minute
• think 50th birthday party - stroll down memory lane, celebrate fair at fair
• get heritage agencies involved
• show old videos of fair
• build up through advertising, media, “Remember When”
• do something every month during special year
• do a BIG event with big names – make sure you can cover the cost
• hook up with township/municipality

Importance of Accurate Directions to Your Fair

• signage – flashing neon
• highway signage restrictions
• volunteers to put up signs
• use transport trucks to advertise
• use year-round signs and/or day of fair
• yard displays to advertise – on side of barns
• signage for trucks and trailers – travel & livestock
• signage must be simple- more pictures than words
• signage within fair grounds needs to be clear
• try not to use private roads and land for fair use
• signage for weather conditions
• signage to deal with emergency traffic
• need postal code in address
• need phone number for contact person
• use emergency number in address to grounds
• need to be GPS friendly
• include contact info of who to call to exhibit

How to Get Youth to Volunteer

• Jr. Director program – age 13-25, assistant to other Directors, nominated to position by someone willing to vouch for them
• Ambassador program – not just winner, social aspect, allowed to bring friends
• be specific – time expected
• Jr. Board – don’t treat like children
• ask them to rise to the occasion
• teach them to respect the history of the fair
• get them to build “apps” for your fair
• allow them to “be in touch” because technology allows for it
• check what areas are needed for your fair
• ask youth what entertainment would attract them
• ask youth exhibitors what is missing
• contact high schools for community service hours
• tell people that help is needed
• present it as a fun thing
• get Directors to delegate more – good managers learn to delegate
• Facebook stories
• ask at school if there is anyone to do photography for the fair
• promote volunteer experience – teaches skills, planning, organization
• provide free lunches for work – find donors of food from within community, i.e. pizza
• Jr. Directors vote after age 18, become Sr. Director after age 25
• website connection – apply to volunteer space
• use person who just needs community service hours in a different way – with an overseer
• most will come back
• not all know how to join
• start a Jr. Director program – ages 14-18 or 10-21, vote at age 18
• approach 4-H club
• approach those who have put entries in
• provide transportation to meeting, if necessary
• have their input validated at meetings
• make sure their feel appreciated
• treat them as equal
• nominate them back on the committee on a yearly basis – nominate at AGM
• social media drawing kids
• have a Facebook page for kid/teens
• stress community hours will be provided
• put a column in paper for volunteering, with community hours as their reward
• contact district school board, have info sent to local schools
• approach home school groups
• PRAISE! PRAISE! PRAISE!
• have them come up with ideas for agenda topics
• give them a project that they are responsible for
• have an education day at your fair – involve classes from schools, have them bused in
• have daycare groups come for day
• need to have schools work with the fair board
• put a newspaper blurb for volunteer positions available – do different ones each month, thanking those who have already volunteered from the previous month’s list
• have Mark Beaven lobby the Ag Minister to put Ag programs back in the schools
• work with the youth
• give vouchers for free
• have the youth do maintenance on the grounds, give them food vouchers for the fair
• contact fast food places for coupons/vouchers to reward youth for their work at the fair
• contact home school conventions, church youth groups, cadets, Shriners’ groups, Scouts