The Fall Fair’s Agriplex project received a generous surprise last week when Carman and Barb Smith contacted Agriplex Project Committee member Jill Hayward to tell her the good news.
“Carman called me and said he and Barb would like to make a contribution towards the cost of building the Agriplex at the fall fair grounds in Barriere,” said Hayward, “I almost dropped the phone when he said they had agreed on a personal donation of $100,000. The North Thompson Fall Fair and Rodeo Association is overwhelmed by this generous donation from the Smiths. They have always been extremely supportive of the fair organization, local 4H, youth and recreation projects in the area, and have unending community spirit. We cannot thank them enough for their faith in our organization.”
Asked what prompted the Smith’s (Barriere 2010 Citizens of The Year) to make such a generous donation, Carman replied, “A lot of it has do with the group that is involved in the project; they’re all smart people and I’m confident in their abilities. I think this building guarantees the future of the fair. When I read about the Agriplex in the Star/Journal, I said to my wife, ‘We’ve got to make a donation to this building, and it’s got to be big enough to give the project a boost’. She said ‘How much were you thinking of?’ And when I said $100,000, Barb said ‘that’s what I had in mind as well’.”
Hayward says she had great pleasure in announcing the donation to the Agriplex Project Committee at their Mar. 22 meeting. “Everyone clapped very enthusiastically and voiced their appreciation to the Smiths,” said Hayward, “This really puts the building out there and we hope that others will join us in support of this exciting project.”
The Agriplex building will be a 22,000 square foot clear span multi-purpose facility that will not only serve as a showcase for agricultural related events, but will also help to stimulate the economy both locally and throughout the North Thompson Valley. A fundraising goal of $350,000 has been set by the Project Committee members. Members of the committee are Karl Rainer, Jill Hayward, Donna Kibble, Ken Beharrell, Dick Ross, Greg Smith, Ian Mitchell, Darcy Feller, Robbie Kerslake, and Jo and Brian Watt.
To make a donation, or find out more about the Agriplex call Jill Hayward at 250-319-8023, Donna Kibble at 250-672-5672, or contact a committee member.