JUNE 2021 THE RIDER /29 Ancaster Farirgrounds Make Progress On Expansion The Ancaster Agricul-


tural Society is making progress on the expansion of the Ancaster Fairgrounds. Shovels are in the ground and foundations are being built. The hope is to have the facility operational by this fall. The Society fore- sees the possibility of 3 shows running simultane- ously. With 160 stalls on site and the addition of portable stalls the venue looks to be a windfall for the Ontario horse industry which is much in need of new show space.


What is the Ancaster Agri- cultural Society? The Ancaster Agricul-


tural Society (AAS) is a reg- istered


not-for-profit


charitable, volunteer organ- ization with deep roots in Ancaster since 1850 with the first Ancaster Fair 171 years ago. It is run by a Board of Directors with the help of 9 full and part time staff. It has 400 members and about 700 volunteers. The Ancaster Agricul-


tural Society hosts the An- caster Fair, the 3rd weekend after Labour Day, to bring agricultural education to Ancaster and the surround- ing areas. The AAS also provides numerous other community and agricultural education events such as Education Days (Farm Gate to Dinner Plate) for area schools, an agricultural based Summer Camp, Touch a Truck and a variety of equestrian clinics and schooling


opportunities.


Our organization continues to change and grow with the needs of our community.


Who owns the Fair- grounds? There is a misconcep-


tion that the Fairgrounds are owned by the City of Hamil-


Why should I support your project if I don’t live in the Ancaster area? Our goal is to be the


premier equestrian, live- stock, tradeshow and event facility in Southern Ontario. With the larger building, larger shows will commit to


using our facility, fueling economic growth in our community and giving us the opportunity to make a long-term impact. As a soci- ety with a focus on agricul- ture, the new building will give us the opportunity to seek large agricultural events to encourage country to meet city. Availability of such a facility will also en- courage participants to stay


in Canada for events rather than venture to the USA for competitions.


Why do you need a new building? As more people real-


ize the countless benefits that human-equine interac- tion provides, the more prevalent recreational and competitive equestrian ac- tivities have become in our


area. As a result, and due to the significant cost


in-


volved, suitable public facil- ities are scarce. There are limited facilities available focused on sports develop- ment and education where the equine community and other agricultural organiza- tions (i.e. 4-H) can gather, learn, train, compete and grow their programs. If we want to keep our athletes


campaign we aim to raise $2 Million. The Ancaster Agri- cultural Society does not un- dertake


this capital


ton. In fact, the Fairgrounds have been owned and oper- ated by the Ancaster Agri- cultural Society since 1850. Most of the revenue gener- ated is used to run the facil- ity as well as support agricultural activities in our area.


In fact, over


$250,000+ meeting space has been donated to a vari- ety of agricultural groups in our community.


Other than the Ancaster Fair, who else uses the Fairgrounds? Although we are


mostly recognized for our Fair, many people do not re- alize that the fairgrounds host events year-round. Our facility is used by many community members, busi- nesses, livestock organiza- tions,


festivals


Where will the financial support come from to pay for the building? The total cost of the


and


commodity groups for a wide variety of events. We are proud to say that we welcome $400,000+ visitors from all over Ontario, Que- bec and the USA.


new centre and site im- provements, including all equipment and furnishings, is estimated at $5.7 Million. The Ancaster Agricultural Society, through careful fi- nancial management and the excellent leadership of a volunteer board of directors, members and staff currently have $1.4 Million in short- term investments to start the project and have the poten- tial to sell additional assets worth approximately $1.5 Million if required. Through our “Rooted


in the Community – Grow- ing for the Future” capital


When will the shovel go in the ground and when is it expected to be completed? The plan is to begin


construction on the new Fairground Events Centre in April 2021 and to be com- pleted by early winter 2021.


campaign lightly, and we seek charitable community funding only when neces- sary.


majority of


Our plan is to raise the the funds


through a capital campaign via sponsors, government grants,


pledges, foundations, dona- tions


and


partnerships, traditional


fundraising. We will also look to trades and services that would be able to supply in-kind services to reduce the capital cost. Financing has been secured to cover any shortfalls. There is the opportu-


nity for a large sponsor to be offered the naming rights for the building. Have you consulted


other organizations for input on the use and design of the building? We have gained valuable in- sight into the design of this building through formal and informal conversations with a wide variety of stakehold- ers including existing cus- tomers and future potential clients.


What are the benefits of the Fairgrounds location? • Easy location to access as it is close to major highways and airport • Lots of parking and clients appreciate the fact that major interior roadways are paved • Excellent staff who are very accommodating and understand the needs of equestrian and non-eques- trian clients • Close to all amenities such as: accommodations, restau- rants, groceries, hardware, etc.


Côte Du Rhône Villages


Grenache/ Syrah/ Carignan


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BBQ Season is here!


Pair with steaks,


veal chops or your signature


hamburger.


and national competitors in our community, we have to give them somewhere to train so they do not have to leave town to access world- class facilities. The new fa- cilities will give the Ancaster Agricultural Soci- ety the unique opportunity to meet the needs of the local, provincial and na- tional community.


It’s best enjoyed with family and friends. Try a


charcuterie board with cold meats, pâté and an


assortment of artisanal cheeses.


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