A display for all

St. Vital

Winnipeg

Diversity and inclusiveness are key elements of this year’s edition of a local, long-running agriculture-focused event.

The St. Vital Agricultural Society will hold its 114th annual display and fair on Friday, Aug. 8 and Saturday, Aug. 9 at St. Vital Centennial Arena (580 St. Anne’s Rd.).

The theme of this year’s event is cultural diversity, and the tagline is: “Our shared stories. Our shared future.”

Like many non-profit, volunteer-driven organizations in the last few years, the society has had to pivot and evolve moving forward.

In 2022, after a pandemic-induced hiatus, the display and fair returned to an in-person format for the first time since 2019, and in the last two years members have been rebuilding the society’s board and volunteer crews as long-serving volunteers have retired. There are also new features this year.

“One of the new things this year is the pumpkin growing contest,” said Debbie Innes, a key organizer and longtime society member. “I save seeds … and I started to think, ‘what can we do with those?’ I suggested having a pumpkin contest featuring white Cinderella pumpkins, which are squat little pumpkins.”

The pumpkin contest includes both an adult and junior category, which highlights how one of the goals of organizers is to engage the youngest segment of the population and help foster a lifelong interest.

“I was raised in southwest Manitoba on a farm, and the kids were all into the 4-H program at the time, and we learned a number of skills,” Innes, who lives in Waverley Heights, said. “I think there can be a void for kids, especially in the summer, and the display and fair is an example of how kids can be doing something, whether it’s baking something or taking part in a gardening competition.”

The importance of passing the agricultural baton to future generations goes hand in hand, so to speak, with the historical roots of the society, which dates back to 1909. One of the key points included in its mission statement is to “instill a love of gardening, especially among our youth.”

“The longevity of the society is phenomenal,” Innes said, noting the process of rebuilding SVAS’ board to try and ensure its longevity has been a case of “building from the bottom up.”

“Our longevity says something about our ability to carry on. It tells us that something is driving us.”

One aspect of the two-day event remains the same — there should be something for everyone.

There will be demonstrations and exhibits, as well as a pancake breakfast and a hotdog lunch put on by the Winnipeg South Lions Club on Aug. 9, as well as a crafters’ and farmers’ market that day, and there will also be activities for children.

At the heart of display and fair remains the friendly competition experienced by the participants in the event’s many categories, which will include rosettes for flower arranging, potted plants, vegetables, fruit, artwork, photography, handicrafts, baking, and preserves.

Pam McFarlane, the society’s president, said the event has evolved into one that serves the while remaining faithful to its south Winnipeg’s heritage and roots.

“It’s important to recognize that not all gardeners live in St. Vital, and that we want to encourage participation from people from all cultures and religious backgrounds. It’s also important to acknowledge the land’s Métis roots,” McFarlane, who lives in Wolseley, said.

“The event is a cool thing for St. Vital and the community of Winnipeg. Lots of people forget these types of fairs exist, and you don’t have to be rich and travel very far to attend one,” she said, noting home crafts are a subject close to her heart.

“We want people to be excited about coming out,” McFarlane added.

Go online at svas.ca for more information.