March 7, 2005
OFA’S BONNETT TO OFFICIALLY OPEN 2005 FARM SHOW
Ontario Federation of Agriculture president Ron Bonnett will officially open the 2005 Ottawa Valley Farm Show which runs March 15-17 at Lansdowne Park in Ottawa.

The opening will be held on the Civic Centre Concourse March 15 at 12 noon. With Ontario farmers facing some of the most tumultuous financial times in recent memory, Bonnett will bring Farm Show visitors up to date on the latest efforts of the OFA, the province’s largest general farm lobby group with 40,000 members.

“I’d like to thank Ron for taking time out of his exceptionally busy schedule to handle our official opening duties,” said Bill Halpenny, president of the Ottawa Valley Seed Growers Association which sponsors the Farm Show, now in its 78th year.

All are invited to the opening which traditionally includes coffee, tea and cake designed and prepared by OVSGA director Linda Vogel, a hog farmer and Glengarry Federation of Agriculture activist.

In addition to more than 300 commercial exhibitors, the OVSGA award winners Hall of Honour on the Concourse, afternoon country music entertainment in the Civic Centre Assembly Hall, the Women’s Institute Tea Room in the main Exhibit Hall, and food concessions in every building on the grounds, visitors can enjoy the annual Prestigious Pedigreed Seed Sale March 17, at 12 noon with net proceeds going to CHEO, followed by the seed awards ceremony.

On top of bags of seed and other items contributed by Farm Show exhibitors, items to be auctioned off by Seed Growers director John Joynt will include three works by Ottawa Valley artisans: A colourful quilt produced by Kenmore’s Victoria Van der Linden, a farm landscape by Russell’s Paul Schibli, and a collector plate from the Arnprior studio of Kevin Dodds.

Admission to the show on any day is still only $6, with the OVSGA offering a coupon with every entry ticket this year which is good for $1 off food or beverage purchases.

“Not only does the show give farmers an opportunity to see what’s new for 2005, it allows them a little social break from the daily rigours which have intensified lately,” said General Manager Tom Van Dusen.

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