In a year that’s been full of difficult surprises for local farmers, from economic uncertainty and wild weather, one Niagara-on-the-Lake grape grower last month received a most welcome surprise.

In a room full of people who had homes flooded and crops on the verge of ruin thanks to a series of summer storms, it was perhaps no better time to have a Pinball pep talk.

The Province’s newest agriculture minister may have grown up in a farm family in one of the most fertile parts of Ontario, but Sam Oosterhoff said he’s not taking anything for granted.

The Vooys family has been volunteering at the West Niagara Fair for several years. Marlene Vooys is now in charge of the photography section, helping to select the classes and assisting the judge on judging day. She also sponsors “The Jar Wrangler” class in the canning section.

As the goat plucked a bit of hay from Penelope Duffie-Edgar’s hand, the young Wellandport girl’s face lit up with joy.

After a spring and summer of preparing for the show ring, 4-H members from the Niagara Goat Club, Lincoln Dairy Club, Niagara Beef Club and the Niagara Poultry Club were well equipped for the Grand Champion Showperson Competition.