November 28, 2003
LIVESTOCK TO REMAIN OUT OF 2004 OTTAWA VALLEY FARM SHOW
At their regular meeting Nov. 24, directors of the Ottawa Valley Seed Growers Association made several important decisions relating to the 2004 Ottawa Valley Farm Show March 16-18 at Ottawa's Lansdowne Park.

First and foremost, directors opted not to feature livestock for the second year in a row. The livestock show and sales were cancelled last year after Lansdowne management tore down the Sprung Structure; although management was prepared to make part of the old Century Building available, directors decided that space limitations, the BSE crisis and other financial factors made the return of livestock unfeasible in 2004. Instead, livestock breeders will again be invited to mount displays on the Civic Centre Concourse, the Farm Show's newest exhibit area. Despite the absence of live animals, breed displays at the 2003 show were considered a success.

In response to input from many exhibitors, directors also decided to trim one hour off the Farm Show's late night opening (March 17), bringing the closing time down to 8 pm from the traditional 9 pm. The new time will still allow visitors to come in to the show in the evening while providing a more convenient end-of-day for exhibitors.

And directors voted to reactivate the association's dormant relocation committee with an eye to eventually moving the show out of Lansdowne to a more suitable venue outside the urban core.

"It's something we've talked about for years," said committee chair John Joynt. "We're captive to escalating parking and space limitations, as well as ever-increasing costs at Lansdowne, and it's time to take a very serious look at alternatives."

In other business, after hearing a presentation from Alfred College director Gilbert Heroux, the association gave $10,000 to the college foundation to help in establishing new programs. In addition, an official cheque presentation for $20,000 was made to the Kemptville College Foundation for similar purposes. Both amounts will be matched by the University of Guelph.

Finally, retiring honorary director Fred Ritchie and wife Robena of Aylmer were wished a fond farewell. Ritchie, 84, served with the Seed Growers for 45 years.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: General manager Tom Van Dusen, (613) 445-3407.

Photos of cheque presentation, Ritchie farewell, available on the links above
and in the November 26, 2003 news release.