Holland Agricultural Society celebrates 125th

June 1st, the Holland Fair Grounds were alive with so many different activities that it was hard to choose where to start.

At 11 a.m. sharp, the Chore Team Obstacles competition began.
With four well-seasoned teams, this tight competition was the perfect way to start the day.

Their standings at the end of the competition were as follows: 1st – Jonathan Marten; 2nd – Benjamin Early – T n’ T Harness; 3rd – Clayton Kunzelman ; 4th – Tara Reimer from Steinbach Manitoba.

At 1 p.m., Paige Drummond took the mic to sing O’Canada to the crowd gathered.

The Ag Society was then presented with a plaque recognizing their 125th anniversary.

Unfortunately, neither MP Grant Jackson nor PC Critic for Agriculture Jeff Bereza could be present at the event; however, they did have representatives in attendance to share their statements.

The first personal communication read was from Jeff Bereza, MLA for Portage la Prairie and PC Critic for Agriculture:

“On behalf of our entire PC team, I wanted to extend a hearty congratulations to the Holland Ag Society on 125 years of serving the community.

“The world has come so far in those years, but so much has stayed constant, such as the sense of community service that keeps societies such as this going.

“This is a real and tangible link to our agricultural roots and a reminder not only of where we come from, but that the work we do today will live on in what Manitobans, generations from now, will experience.

“I wish I could be there celebrating with you, congrats on 125 years and here’s to many more.”

Next, Randall Massia, a Federal PC Party Executive Board Member, read a communication from our newest Manitoba MP, Grant Jackson, formerly the MLA for the Sprucewoods constituency:

“My name is Randall Massia and I have the honour of speaking on behalf of our Member of Parliament, Grant Jackson, who sends a big ‘hello folks’ from Ottawa.

“While Grant would have loved to have been here to celebrate this incredible milestone with you all today, he has asked me, as his board member, to extend a heartfelt congratulations to the “Holland Agricultural Society” on 125 years of remarkable service, community spirit, and agricultural leadership.

“Reaching a milestone of 125 years is a testament to the dedication of countless volunteers, board members, and community supporters who have kept the society active and relevant. It reflects the strength of rural Manitoba values: commitment to the land, each other, and the future of farming in Canada.

“I present this plaque today as a small token recognizing a big legacy that has shaped not only this region but Manitoba’s agricultural heritage.

“On behalf of MP Grant Jackson, all Brandon-Souris Constituents and all Canadians, congratulations and thank you for your continued dedication to rural life and agriculture.”

Reg Marginette, Councillor for the RM of Victoria, then gave a heartwarming speech sharing the history of the Holland Ag Society, what it has meant to so many, and how it continues to promote and showcase agriculture, while educating the public.
The plaque was then presented to the Ag Society Board.

When everyone thought it couldn’t get better, it did!

The Holland & Area Lions, renowned for their impactful fundraising and unwavering support of local organizations, proudly allocated the proceeds from their recent steak supper to the Ag Society’s upcoming projects. During Family Day, President Dale Gee and Brian Drummond presented a generous donation of $3,500 to Ag Society President Terry Early. This funding will significantly contribute to the construction of a new food booth and washroom facilities.

The day wouldn’t have been complete without the delicious celebratory cupcakes and the most delicious rhubarb punch anywhere.

There was so much to take in at this event!

Sunrise Credit Union sponsored some fantastic youth activities, and added to all that, there were pony rides, barrel rides, assorted vendors, lawn mower races, chore team log skids, a vintage comedy circus show called Hoop & Hat and live music.

This is a lot, but there was more!

The day was made absolutely perfect with a BBQ’d pork supper with all the trimmings, including homemade baked beans. It was a great day and we all had the best time. The proceeds from Family Day will be used towards the construction of new washroom facilities and food booth on the Ag Grounds.

PHOTO CAPTION: Presentation of the plaque in recognition of 125 years for Holland’s Agricultural Society: (l. to r.) Reg Marginette, Randall Massia, Terry Early, Kevin Drummond, Joyce Elder and Brian Drummond. PHOTO BY SUZANNE PADDOCK