By Tina Brajic
It’s in her blood. That’s how Jodie Easson, current Caledonia Fair President, describes her involvement with the Caledonia Agricultural Society and its annual fair.
“I always loved the fair as a kid, and I’d enter things. I was involved in 4-H and Junior Farmers there, but it wasn’t a huge part of my life,” she recalled. “Once I was introduced to the behind-the-scenes, and the people, somehow it just got into my blood.”
Easson’s first involvement with the Ag Society came when she ran, and won, the title of Fair Queen (now called Fair Ambassador) in 1987.
“I really enjoyed that year – learning about the Ag Society and getting to know many of the members. When my term was up, I was asked to join the Ag Society and to be on the Night Show and Entertainment Committee and help with the first ever High School Challenge in 1988.”
There have been many highlights that Easson is proud of from her time with the Ag Society, but that first High School Challenge still stands out. This event sees Haldimand high school students compete against each other in a series of just-for-fun special relay events. Easson reflects, “This one little night show has turned into such a tradition and part of growing up in Haldimand County over the past 38 years.”
Easson would go on to help in a variety of committees and events, each one inspiring her in its own way. She was asked to serve as a director in the 1990s and then served as second vice-president in 2013. This is Easson’s second stint as president, previously holding the role in 2017-2018.
Even though Easson, her husband, and their two daughters were based out of Toronto for about a quarter century, in 2010 they returned to their family-owned farm in Oneida Township. The farm has been in their family since 1854, and even when living elsewhere the Easson family were never far, regularly returning on weekends for family events, church, and, of course, the Caledonia Fair.
Easson’s passion for the Ag Society has spilled over to her daughters, Jessica and Jackie, who serve as a director and member respectively. Not to be left out, husband Jamie also volunteers on occasion.
“The Caledonia Fair and the Caledonia Agricultural Society has become a huge part of my life. It’s also a huge part of my family’s life now,” she said.
She believes it’s important that the Ag Society balances its past successes and future growth opportunities as new generations join in planning and enjoying its many events and offerings.
“I love that we are rooted in tradition but stay contemporary and don’t shy away from new things,” she said. “Many years ago, we started a video installation in the exhibition hall, and I produce videos that focus the theme on local agriculture, and these show throughout the fair. We have a very extensive library now of local agriculture and history, and both creatively (for me) and educationally for all who have seen them, this has been very gratifying.”
Among that history is the history of the Ag Society itself, a registered charity that owns, maintains, and operates the fairgrounds with two full-time staff members, a small part-time caretaking staff, and with a small army of about 200 volunteers ranging in age from 10 to over 90.
The Ag Society also makes a practice of pitching in and sharing its infrastructure, volunteers, resources, and expertise with other community organizations for a variety of “events and activities that happen on the fairgrounds – it really is a community hub,” explained Easson.
The Caledonia Fair is just one facet of the Ag Society’s annual efforts, but it’s one that Easson says acts as a “touchstone for the community” and as “the source of memories for so many people”. This year’s theme is ‘Fall Air, Country Fair’ and promises to bring back those exciting memories of attending the fair as children, with all the tastes, smells, and sounds of fall fair fun.
Over 40,000 visitors attended the fair last year, and the hope is to match or exceed that number this year. In addition to the fan favourite attractions like the midway, music, food, farm fun, vendors, exhibitors, and agricultural shows, a new addition this year is the Learn to Line Dance event with Jada Dawson, last year’s Fair Ambassador. See more about Jada on Page 3, and learn some dance moves with her on the Saturday of the fair weekend at 6:30 p.m. ahead of the popular Saturday Night Demolition Derby.
The Caledonia Fair runs Thursday, September 25 to Sunday, September 28, with reduced admission on Thursday night with a donation to the Caledonia Food bank. Advance tickets and a list of activities available online at caledoniafair.ca.
For those considering getting involved with the Ag Society or the fair specifically, there are a multitude of rewarding opportunities available.
“Volunteering for the Ag Society and the fair is so varied and dynamic. I can wind up doing almost anything – from cleaning up a baking case in fair set up, to hosting a grandstand show, to picking up garbage,” said Easson, noting how volunteering brings a person closer to their community, provides a sense of purpose, and fosters connections. “You don’t do it alone. I’ve met so many people over the years – some of whom I’ve known in different contexts, and some whom I never would have met before. Working with other people is a great way to get to know them. It’s just so different from my everyday – and I think it helps bring out a lot of skills and talents that otherwise don’t have a place to be.”
For Easson, the inspiration and dedication to continue volunteering comes from the people she has met over the years and the volunteers she helps to motivate and mentor. “It’s been almost 40 years now of friendships, work, and memories – and I think it has all given me a lot more than I’ve given it.”
