Pullen, Seaforth Fall Fair honoured with special weekend event

BY DENNY SCOTT

The Seaforth Fall Fair and accompanying 4-H shows marked a number of anniversaries over the weekend, welcoming dignitaries to honour achievements made by both the group and individuals.

The fair itself was marking its 175th iteration, a milestone that was to occur last year but didn’t due to COVID-19, while Florence Pullen was recognized for 41 years as a volunteer with local 4-H clubs.

Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson was on hand for both achievements, congratulating the fall fair committee for reaching such a significant milestone and crediting Pullen, as well as other volunteers, with the ongoing success of 4-H clubs in Huron County.
Pullen was recognized during a break in the 4-H program held at the Seaforth Agri-plex on Saturday morning, with Huron County 4-H Leaders Association president Curtis McNeil addressing Pullen’s extensive record first. He said he wanted to thank her not only for her time as a leader, but also for being a “flag bearer” for Huron County and always being ready to volunteer for the organization.

Thompson also spoke to Pullen’s record, saying that there are generations of former 4-H members working in Ontario’s agricultural fields, like herself, thanks in no small part due to the efforts of Pullen and her husband Don.

For her part, Pullen was surprised by the announcement, saying she thought she was at the fair to just take in the 4-H show. She thanked everyone for their kind words, before saying that 40 years had gone by fast and she had enjoyed every minute of it. She also said that working with the 4-H club members kept her feeling young.

Shortly after that presentation, the Seaforth Fall Fair committee was recognized for their part in the efforts that have made the fair a success for 176 years and 175 fairs.

Crystal Whyte, chair of the committee said the group went ahead with this year’s fair with a theme of “A Celebration of Rural Life - Take Two” after the fair couldn’t go ahead last year.

“Things have gone very, very well,” she said, admitting it was difficult planning for such an event during the uncertainty of COVID-19. “There were a lot of different protocols to follow, but the committee was able to plan for the event for two years.”

She said the fair saw a great response from Seaforth, its surrounding communities and the volunteers that made it happen.
Thompson honoured the group, saying what an important part of the community fall fairs were.