‘An awesome team’: Annette and Harry Van Marrum honoured
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
By Ann Marie Chechalk
The West Niagara Agricultural Society is “incredibly proud to celebrate two of our long-time volunteers, Harry and Annette VanMarrum.”
They were recognized with a lifetime community volunteerism award at the Township of West Lincoln’s 2026 Community Recognition Awards, held on June 23.
“Their years of dedication, generosity, and commitment have made a lasting impact on our organization and our community,” WNAS said in an announcement about the recognition.
Harry and Annette are not just known for their great volunteerism at the WNAS. It began as their six children took part in hockey and in soccer, which made coaching part of the beginning of their journey.
“I said to Harry, ‘can I coach soccer?’ And he said I could do anything. It was always Harry behind me encouraging me to try things. We did everything together,” Annette said.
Annette and Harry went on to lead the 4-H Poultry Club, Horse Club and Horse Judging club and assist with the Plowing Club. They volunteered at their children’s school and at their church. They embraced the local fair and were often found working at the Smithville Fair.
When the Lincoln County Fair and the Smithville fair amalgamated they were part of many of the major decision making points. But not just in making decisions, they were there putting up and taking down horse stalls, assisting with parking, welcoming visitors, and doing any jobs necessary.
Annette would go on to be the fair president for four very challenging years as the new fair grew into what it is today. During her time as president, Annette helped lead the society through ONCA compliance by updating the constitution and bylaws, establishing a sponsorship program, and continuing improvements to the buildings and property. She also represented the society at district meetings, conventions, 4-H dinners, and organized volunteer appreciation events.
Harry held a great passion in supporting the Canadian Foodgrains Bank initiative by coordinating crop rotations with Twenty View Farms on the WNAS grounds. The crops grown helped support efforts to fight world hunger, with government contributions matching up to four times the value raised.
Harry strongly believes in the importance of the future of agriculture and ensuring that future generations understand where their food comes from and how it reaches our tables.
Let the celebrations continue as they celebrate being together for 50 years this summer. The VanMarrums are what partnerships and volunteering is all about.
Their friend Ann Buys sums it up very well: “Harry and Annette make an awesome team, thank you for promoting agriculture.”
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