Stratford & District Agricultural Society president calls for younger volunteers to keep fair and market thriving

Laurie Neubrand, John DeWys and Andrea Dolson serve attendees at the annual barbecue at the Stratford Farmers’ Market.

The Stratford & District Agriculture Society is juggling its farmers market, barbecues and annual fair while leaning on donations and sponsors to keep programs running without steady financial support.

Laurie Neubrand became president of the society just this year. She thought she would just be helping out at the barbecues at the Stratford Farmers’ Market every Saturday. Between balancing the upcoming fall fair, tracking donations, along with helping with fundraising and events, Neubrand says that the society is in need of volunteers to help.

“We are non-profit, but the fair brings in money and it's a free fair. We also have a lot of sponsors and donations, but we need help and volunteers,” said Neubrand. “We run this farmers’ market every Saturday which is a little bit of income for us and income for these farmers too. We donate to different programs, but the fair is a big thing to organize.”

Neubrand is asking for more volunteers and board members as its long-serving supporters grow older. She says that younger people are needed to help carry on the work, as many retirees who have volunteered for years are no longer able to contribute as much time. The society’s ladies division, which runs the homecrafts at the Rotary Complex during the annual fall fair, is also looking for new members to keep the tradition going.

“I think we’re ongoing and trying to adapt from year to year to find out where we’re settling. The fair in a way is getting bigger. The fair itself is free, we’re hoping if we just keep drawing people in and expanding that way, hopefully everything will fall into place and we’re able to get volunteers and the businesses in town can help us out.”

Neubrand says that the society wants the fair to have more programming and a variety of events. Currently they run exhibits in the big hall ranging from quilts, sowing, crafts, along with the Fair Ambassador Competition.

Neubrand explained the fair provides a communal link that runs through the community, through the Farmers’ Market, where people are buying local and fresh food products.

“People come out there every Saturday. We are a year-round market. Everybody is here to sit and chat, everyone knows who they’re buying from.”

Neubrand says that the society also supports the annual Passport to Savings, a $50 coupon booklet offering discounts at nearly 200 local businesses. Proceeds from the booklet benefit local charities, including the Stratford House of Blessing.

The House of Blessing also uses the funds to help support its programs, including fundraising towards a free community Christmas dinner, which also requires the help of community volunteers. Neubrand added that the program allows residents to help the community’s local business while also shopping with a discount.