Kathy Noel presented with Glenboro Ag Society Honorary Lifetime Membership

What began as a simple way to support her young sons when they joined the 4-H Beef Club under the direction of Rudy Kovar in the mid-1990s soon grew into something much larger. A few years later, fueled by her love of horses and encouraged by friends, fellow equine lovers and neighbours Kathy Penner and Joan Fallis, Kathy Noel stepped into a volunteer role with the Glenboro Agricultural Society; a commitment that would span more than two decades of dedicated service.

During the Glenboro Agricultural Society’s Annual General Meeting on Sunday, February 22, President Ernie Bezaire presented longtime volunteer and board member Kathy Noel with an Honorary Lifetime Membership in recognition of her years of dedication and unwavering support.

“It’s hard to remember exactly when I started helping out,” Kathy reflected.

By 2003, after returning to her love of horses, Noel began volunteering with the horse show portion of the Ag Fair, initially helping friends who were searching for volunteers. When no one stepped forward to take the reins, she did.

At that time, the fair included a family gymkhana the evening before and a full horse show on fair day, making for two very demanding days. She chuckles at the memory; “Those were always very busy days with lots of challenges — especially trying to find volunteers. We sure appreciated everyone who came out to help.”
Though she wasn’t formally on the board in those early years, Noel attended meetings when her day job allowed and continued to offer support wherever needed.

In 2017 and 2018, the Ag Society experienced significant loss with the passing of Geraldine and Rudy Kovar, two longtime and deeply dedicated volunteers. Their absence left the organization in a very difficult position.

“The Ag Society was thrown into turmoil,” Noel said. “We couldn’t find anyone to take over as president, so I volunteered.”

She has remained in that role for eight years, though she is quick to share the credit.

“Kathie Taft and Linda Naismith deserve most of the credit for holding the Ag Society together at that time. I just supported them as best I could.”

In 2019, board members attended workshops hosted by the Manitoba Association of Agricultural Societies, learning about board governance and developing effective bylaws. The result was a more organized and accountable structure.

Around the same time, the hall which legally sits on Ag Society land, became the board’s responsibility to manage, adding another significant layer of work.

Then COVID-19 hit.

Through Zoom meetings and socially distanced gatherings, the board kept operations moving. The fair and the demolition derby survived, even as attendance and entries dipped during the first few years following the pandemic.

Last year, however, the fair saw an outstanding crowd; a sign that community support remains strong. The fair date was moved from July 1 to mid-August, and new events continue to be introduced annually. The demolition derby still remains a major attraction.

Volunteer recruitment continues to be a challenge, but the board has seen encouraging change. Terms run three years, and as some members stepped down, younger volunteers have stepped forward. Today, Noel says the Ag Society boasts a full board; something that hasn’t happened in several years.

“I am proud of the board of directors we have right now,” she said. “It is so great to have all of these young people involved and enthusiastic about the future.”

After organizing the horse show for many years, Noel stepped back in 2024. The Miniature Horse Club has since taken over that portion of fair day with a miniature horse and donkey show.

When asked about her biggest achievement, Noel points to the organization’s resilience.

“We went through quite a few rough years after the Kovars’ passing and then were hit with the pandemic. To have come through that stronger than ever feels like quite an achievement.”

Despite receiving the Honorary Lifetime Membership, Kathy remains characteristically humble.

“When you think of the past army of volunteers who have held the Ag Society together all these years, I don’t feel too worthy,” she said. “But I sure do appreciate the board’s recognition.”

She also spoke of the significance of the Notman Estate, which named the Ag Society as one of its benefactors.

“What a blessing that donation has been. We still try to be fiscally responsible, but it has allowed us to accomplish projects and invest more into fair programming and events.”

After approximately 23 years of volunteering, eight of those as president, Noel has no plans of stepping away completely. She intends to continue lending a hand on fair day wherever needed, whether in the horse show ring or in the exhibition hall.

For the past two summers, she has also served as Campground Host at the Spruce Woods Equine Campground, a role she hopes to continue. With her trailer set up and her horse nearby, she calls it her favourite place to be.

“I’m blessed to have this opportunity,” she said.

With a strong board now in place and Ernie Bezaire taking on the reins as president, Noel says she has full confidence in the future of the Glenboro Agricultural Society.

“I have no doubt at all that the Ag Society is in good hands and that our fair tradition will carry on.”

Present board members include Ernie Bezaire as president; Kyla Coleman, vice-president; Sara Smith, secretary and Andrea Hamilton, Ian Hamilton, Dedra Coleman, Shawna Hunt, Quinn Clemis and Jade Ming as directors.

PHOTO CAPTION: Kathy Noel was presented with an Honorary Lifetime Membership to the Glenboro Ag Society, a group she has been involved with so long she is not exactly sure when she started.