Well everyone, 2009 is behind us and we are gearing up for another amazing year in 2010. Before I start talking about what we have coming up, I would like to reminisce about the past year.
It was definitely a year to remember; from the extreme heat to the incredible participation from members old and new. Even though it was very hot, the hale and the hearty stuck around to enjoy what we could offer them. And offer them lots we did. With the return of the prony brake and our friends from Ohio to the first time appearance of the Robica locomotive there was plenty for all to see and enjoy. The kids got to dig in the straw pile for candy and try their leg muscles at the kiddie tractor pulls. Sandy the Clown was there to amuse one and all. I think the tractor caravan was a huge success once again and enjoyed even by those that were just watching and taking pictures – thanks to the Gilliards and the Goodhills for their great organization. Liz Hayward and all her helpers made the Ladies’ Program and the Friday night Talent Show a great success. The Stanton family was gracious enough to donate land to let us plow. Horses, steam engines and tractors all helped to turn the soil and amuse the crowds. Antics and laughs abounded with the Vossens and their creative Tractor Olympics. Everyone got to sit back and relax to some good music provided by Gary Muxlow and his friends.
One special thing that we did in 2009 was to host the Chapter 20 International Red Power Round Up. With the coordination of our team leaders and theirs I believe that they had one of the best venues and turn outs for their event that they have ever had. I heard nothing but good reports from all parties and I saw nothing but smiles on their faces.
Dougall McGregor did an outstanding job of announcing for us again this year. He led us through the activities of the day, interviewed and talked with anyone he could and announced the tractor pulls as well. It takes someone special like him to keep everything flowing and everyone informed of what is going on. The bean pot, the steamed corn, kids games, vendors market, and so much more would not be as popular without his prompting. Sid Fletcher did an excellent job of emceeing for the Talent Show and helping Dougall out whenever he could. They are a great couple of guys.
I am always amazed at what a great group of volunteers can do. Our Western Ontario Steam Threshers team is absolutely spectacular. My directors are dedicated to making this the best show in Ontario – and we are!!! Members, old and new, do everything from setting up garbage cans and sweeping out barns to tearing down the displays and exhibits and putting everything away until the next year. Thank you. Along with the volunteers, there are many unsung heroes in our midst which need a special mention. Carole Danby-Searson and her helpers take on the daunting task of gathering and tracking memberships and registrations, and all with smiles on their faces. Gene Siddall maps out meticulously and tracks the camping as well as gathers the monies. Ian Wellington preps the fairgrounds and runs hydro and fixes what needs to be fixed for the show. Ernie King’s Music from Wingham provide a terrific sound system throughout the grounds and is available all weekend to satisfy our needs. The Boy Scouts get the lovely task of gathering the garbage all weekend. My directors are never really off duty and are willing to lend a hand wherever it is needed – even if it means staying up all night to do security detail.
Another group of people that really don’t get much mention is our sponsors. They are a special group that help us keep going with monetary and supply donations. Quite often the cheque arrives in the mail or things are arranged through email and I don’t know if the sponsors ever actually make it to the show to see what their donations have helped to accomplish. If you sponsor our show and then come to it, please make sure that you find me so that I can thank you personally. If you would like to be a sponsor, please don’t hesitate to contact me and I will put you in contact with the right person.
And now a little teaser for this year.
As you browse through this website, you will see that the tractor caravan is going on again this year. The new route map will be posted as soon as it is set. We are selling the collector tractors again – 100 and 100 only will be available. This year’s tractor goes along with the Case/David Brown feature. Wait patiently and a picture will be posted on the website soon. One thing that we are really excited about is that we have the Ontario Mini Hot Rod Pullers coming on Friday night. Everyone should experience this show at least once. Come out and see what all the noise is about. The antique tractor pulls will take place on Saturday night and Sunday. All our regulars will be there and maybe some other new activities will pop up.
Again I want to thank one and all for making this the best show in Ontario. I am proud to be a part of such a great organization.
See you in 2010!!!
