Lucknow Agricultural Society hosts its annual general meeting
BY SCOTT STEPHENSON
The Lucknow Agricultural Society (LAS) held its annual general meeting and dinner at the Lucknow Community Centre on Jan. 13. There was a strong turnout of members, volunteers and community leaders at the event.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were LAS Junior Ambassador Evelyn Scott, LAS Senior Ambassador Queenie Pentland, Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) Ambassador of the Fairs Lexi Johnston, Huron-Kinloss Mayor Don Murray, Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh (ACW) Mayor Glen McNeil, and Huron-Bruce MPP and Minister of Rural Affairs Lisa Thompson.
LAS president Emily Morrison called the meeting to order and reported that, based on gate sales, the 2025 Lucknow Fall Fair (LFF) recorded one of its five highest attendance levels of all time. She noted that the decision to charge no gate fee on the Friday night of the fair meant the true number of attendees was likely even higher. “It was just so amazing!” she exclaimed. “Thank you to all the volunteers that put everything together.”
Homecraft Division head Sharon Nivins reported an increase in the number of exhibits last year. She thanked the volunteers who helped make space to accommodate the growing number of entries and encouraged members to use the winter months to begin work on prize-worthy projects. Nivins also announced that the theme for the 2026 Lucknow Fall Fair will be “Barn Yard Bash”.
Mayor Glen McNeil congratulated the LAS and its volunteers on another successful fair, noting that the Lucknow Fall Fair is ACW’s only agricultural fair. He emphasized its importance as a stepping stone for exhibitors. “I don’t think we should ever underestimate the value of our fairs… we’ve seen many competitors exhibit in Lucknow, and then go on to the [Royal Winter Fair] from there,” he said.
Mayor Don Murray echoed those sentiments and thanked the volunteers who make the fair possible each year. He specifically acknowledged J.A. Porter’s of Lucknow for providing the payloader needed to install the fair’s fencing.
Thompson praised the LAS and the Lucknow community for a strong post-pandemic recovery, recalling a time when the future of the fair was uncertain. “But darn it all, the heart of this community made sure there was one,” she said. Thompson noted the vibrant atmosphere at the 2025 fair. “When I walked through the doors this past year, you could just feel it. You could see it. The number of exhibits were up, and there were people coming through that I hadn’t seen for a while,” she recalled.
Thompson also spoke about her plans to attend the Rural Ontario Municipal Association conference in Toronto, where she was to introduce a new program recognizing individuals and organizations making a difference in rural Ontario. “I am so incredibly proud to share with you tonight that Lexi is going to be one of the inaugural people to be recognized, because she has just been hitting it out of the park on behalf of all of us who are proud to call rural Ontario home.”
A roast beef dinner with mashed potatoes, salads and horseradish was prepared by Barb Snowden and enjoyed by attendees. Of the homemade pies and cakes served for dessert, the cherry cheesecake and Mississippi mud pie were particularly popular.
Senior Ambassador Queenie Pentland welcomed guests and shared highlights from her time as ambassador, including attending the OAAS District 10 meeting in Beaver Valley in November. “It has been a great few months, representing Lucknow as an ambassador, and looking forward to this year and all that comes with it,” she said.
Junior Ambassador Evelyn Scott also greeted attendees and said her favourite experience so far was riding in the Lucknow Santa Claus Parade alongside Pentland.
Guest speaker Lexi Johnston of the Listowel Agricultural Society delivered an energetic presentation on her experiences as the Ambassador of the Fairs. “It’s crazy to think that it’s been a year-and-a-half since I was standing on the stage of the opening ceremonies of the Listowel Fair, delivering my prepared speech, explaining to the crowd that my favourite job on our dairy farm was covering bunk,” she recalled. “Before you think I’m also crazy, it’s clearly not the throwing sandbags and tires, it’s the fact that it’s not a one-man job. We do it as a family every time, so a little bit of hard work, but a lot of bonding happening.”
The 2026 LAS executive board was also voted in. Morrison and Cam Alton will carry on as President and Vice-President, respectively. Joan Nelson accepted the nomination of Treasurer and Chelsea Gamble is the new Secretary.