BFF25: Crystal Blake steps in to lead the Brussels Agricultural Society

BY SHAWN LOUGHLIN

This year’s Brussels Fall Fair comes complete with a new face at the helm: Crystal Blake is the new president of the Brussels Agricultural Society and she’s excited about this year’s fair because of how much the society and the fair mean to her.

 

Blake grew up in the Molesworth area and was a regular attendee of the fair, first as a student at what was then called Grey Central Public School - now North Woods Elementary School - just outside of Ethel, and then later as a teen. She then travelled outside of the county for her post-secondary education and, when she returned about seven years ago, she decided that the time and circumstances were right for her to get involved with the Brussels Agricultural Society in an official capacity.

 

A long-time patron and fan of the fair, she attended the Brussels Agricultural Society’s annual general meeting that year and, after speaking with some of the members, decided to put her name forward as the vice-president of the organization. Those two years would be formative and informative for her, as she learned so much about the inner workings of a fall fair, ahead of inevitably taking over the society’s top position.

 

At first, she said, she wondered why it was a two-year term for the president and the vice-president, but, after serving that two-year term in the second-to-top spot, she was grateful for that time to learn. It made her feel so much more prepared for stepping into the role of the president, that it all made sense to her then.

 

Blake says she’s always been one to take charge and throw her hat into the ring when leadership positions are available, so that’s part of the reason that she immediately sought an executive position with the society upon returning to the community and joining the society. Another part of the reason is just the love that she’s had for the fair over the years, from being part of the parades as a student and showing her animals on the fair’s 4-H Club achievement day to now planning the whole event with the help of a tremendously generous membership that’s always willing to lend a hand where it’s needed.

 

She says she really can’t emphasize that point enough, that the society has a great membership and that she has so much help, whether it be practical, hands-on help or advice from seasoned members on what to expect this year as she serves as president of the society.

 

Since becoming involved, she has learned so much about what goes on behind the scenes with members of the society as they work to put on another great Brussels Fall Fair. The work that goes into it, she said, was a real eye-opener and she’s sure that most people who simply attend the event or submit exhibits to be part of the event have no idea just how much work hosting a fair of this size entails. 

 

She also slowly inched closer to the society last year when her niece, Sophia Blake, served as the Brussels Fall Fair’s Little Ambassador. That familial connection, she said, made her feel closer to the society than she ever had before.

 

Now, Blake’s first Brussels Fall Fair as the president of the Brussels Agricultural Society awaits, so be sure to attend and to say hi while you’re there!