Rainy River noticeably absent at the fair

Dear Editor
Rainy River is conspicuously absent at “The Fair”
It’s August and in the Rainy River Valley that means time for the Fair. The locals call it “The Emo Fair.” But the fact is that it is not just Emo’s fair (Emo hosts it at their fair grounds) it is the Rainy River Valley Agricultural Fair. People from all across the district and beyond, attend, exhibit, volunteer and participate in many ways. Except, it seems, for the community of Rainy River and its businesses.
Hundreds of people visit the fair over the three days it takes place making it an ideal venue for those wishing to exhibit, compete, and gain exposure for and promote a community, business, or pastime. From the school displays to the commercial displays people and their products are highly visible and noticed by all who venture through the various exhibits and displays.
Last year there were several 4-H members from this end of the district with steers up for sale in the 4-H Market Steer Auction. My son had his first steer to show and sell. As instructed by his Beef Club Leader, he made, printed and delivered invitations to several businesses in Rainy River. This invitation requested that the business support the local 4-H members who had worked for months raising and training a calf for the fair, by coming out to bid on a steer.
Correct me if I am wrong here (because I hope I am) but I did not see one single Rainy River business represented at the 4-H Market Steer Auction. As a matter of fact I did not see the town of Rainy River represented anywhere at the fair: not in the Parade, not in the Farm Progress Building, not in the School Entries, and (most unfortunately for the 4-H clubs) not at the Auction. A visitor to the area, taking in the fair, would have no idea that Rainy River was a part of the Rainy River Valley.
Outside of a couple of Rainy River’s not-for-profit organizations being “on the ball” in the past few years when it comes to promoting what they have to offer in our community, Rainy River was not represented. (Penny Shumaker represented the Rainy River District Giant Pumpkin Festival one year with a table in the Farm Progress Building and the Rec. Board and Rainy River Playschool have represented themselves and promoted the Walleye Tournament with the raffle boat and ticket sales).
The same parents who recognize the importance of supporting their local businesses support 4-H because it models volunteerism and encourages its young members to volunteer; something all communities rely on. It teaches them how to properly and effectively conduct meetings, and it teaches that hard work and responsibility results in pride in oneself and one’s community.
4-H clubs and all their associated activities provide our area youth with a healthy and enjoyable way to spend their time so they do not look to destructive and unsavory activities which have negative impacts on our communities. The real heart of the community is its volunteers and what better way to ensure we always have them there willing to serve than to support 4-H (and make a community presence at the same time)!
The Beef Club members must find enough buyers for their steers in order to complete their year successfully. Anyone who would like to support the auction but may be unable to purchase a steer themselves can show support by purchasing tickets, from any beef club member, on two draws for half a beef (a 4-H steer is purchased at the auction by the Agricultural Society then raffled off). Tickets are also available at some of the businesses in town.
My family and I have always been impressed with the fair. The amount of work and volunteer hours that goes into it is to be congratulated. Our community is also to be congratulated for all the support it gives to local organizations and events. Lets show that generosity and community spirit to the whole district.
So in closing I would like to wish good luck to all competitors this weekend and to congratulate all the exhibitors and volunteers, especially the Rainy River Agricultural Society, for putting on a tremendous fair for us ALL to enjoy! And Rainy River let’s illustrate first hand outside the community what a great place this really is. Come on - There is an opportunity just down the road - take it. Let’s see you at the Fair!
–Dianne McCormack
Rainy River, Ont.