The Caledonia Agricultural Society was established as a non-profit organization under the Agricultural and Horticultural Organizations Act in 1873. We are Haldimand County's oldest community organization with many member families spanning four or more generations.
The Fair was originally held on Edinburgh Square. In 1878, with the help of MP David Thompson, the current Fairgrounds were purchased by the Society. It is a common misconception that Haldimand County owns and operates the Fairgrounds and Riverside Exhibition Centre, but the entire facility is owned and operated by the Caledonia Agricultural Society. We pride ourselves on keeping our beautiful riverfront property well-groomed and maintained year-round, providing a park-like setting which over 250,000 visitors enjoy each year.
In 2018, the Canada Revenue Agency granted the Caledonia Agricultural Society charitable status, allowing us further tools to continue to promote agricultural awareness and education across Haldimand County.
The Caledonia Agricultural Society comprises:
— Over 200 Members of all ages
— A board of directors consisting of between 12-18 persons
— An executive committee consisting of 6 persons
— A full-time general manager
— A full-time office assistant
— Part-time custodians
The Society Membership elect the board of directors and the board of directors elect the executive committee each January at the Annual General Meeting. The general manager, under the leadership of the board of directors, oversees the day-to-day operations of the Society. The office assistant provides administrative support to the general manager.
2025 Executive Committee
Doug Townson, Past President
Jodie Easson, President
Lindsey Farrell-Johnson, Vice-President
Lori Pyle, Treasurer
Beth Wise, Homecraft President
Vacancy, Homecraft Vice-President
2025 Board of Directors
Two Year Term
Jamie Daglish
Jessica Easson
Dawna Ebert
Doug Murphy
Lori Pyle
Doug Townson
Bryan Wilkieson
Beth Wise (Ex Officio)
One Year Term
Janice Boyter
Pam Douglas
Jodie Easson
Lindsey Farrell-Johnson
Neil Hedley
Mark Peart
Tyler Wilkieson
Vacancy (Ex Officio)
Staff
Ian D. Thompson, General Manager
Kelsey Brown, Office Assistant
Mission Statement
To provide a venue to educate, entertain, enrich the agricultural experience and showcase accomplishments and opportunities.
Vision Statement
Sustainability through reflection, innovation, relevance and community collaboration.
Core Values
The health and well-being of the Caledonia Agricultural Society is achieved through a balanced application of its core values. It is the expectation that these core values will be used in the everyday practices of the organization.
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Inclusivity
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Education
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Agricultural Awareness
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Integrity
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Accountability
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Striving for Excellence
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Relevance to the Community
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Stewardship
