Skip to content

Karl Rainer: Canadian Fair Champion

three recipients of the CAFE Canadian Fair Champions award for 2013 announced

The Canadian Association of Fairs and Exhibitions (CAFE) has announced three recipients of the CAFE Canadian Fair Champions award for 2013, which includes Darfield, B.C., resident, Karl Rainer.

The North Thompson Fall Fair and Rodeo Association nominated Karl for the award,  stating the following in their submission:

“No job is too small, too dirty, or too hard for Karl, if it needs to be done, he does it. His repertoire of jobs for the North Thompson Fall Fair and Rodeo Association (NTFFRA) ranges from clearing clogged sewers, planting trees, handing out awards and everything in between.  Karl has served as president of the organization, and has sat on the board for many years.

“As the North Thompson Agriplex Project Committee co-chair, Karl has helped raise cash and in-kind donations of over $1.2 million. This 36,000 square foot Agriplex was started in March 2011, and that fall hosted the 62nd North Thompson Fall Fair and Rodeo, and the 4-H Provincial Winter Fair.   The Agriplex is now a major economic driver for the Region. Karl did not work alone on this project, but his burning passion to see it through, endlessly working beside other hard working volunteers for uncountable hours, has contributed greatly to guaranteeing its success.

“Used year round, the Agriplex is a huge boost for our fair facility. No money was borrowed to build it, no money is owed. At every function, including the Fall Fair, Canadian Sheep Show/Sale, Provincial Winter Fairs, Rural Living Expos and more, Karl is there working to make sure everything is just right for NTFFRA and the renters; all as a volunteer, so revenues received can go back to the NTFFRA for facility improvements.  In our association, one of the most frequent statements heard is, “Call Karl, he’ll get it done”.”

Also receiving Canadian Fair Champion awards are Brandon, Manitoba’s Stanley Cochrane, with the Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba; and Beachburg, Ontario’s Adrian Vareyken, with the Beachburg Agricultural Society.

Karl Rainer said he was more than a little surprised to hear he would be an award recipient, “I didn’t even know I had been nominated, it was a total surprise.”

Adding to the surprise was the fact that Karl will have all expenses paid trip to attend the CAFE Convention and Awards Banquet in Ottawa this week, where he will be presented on Friday night with the CAFE Fair Champions award.

“I am really honoured to be receiving this award,” said Karl, “Working for the fair is what I’ve always done – it’s what I love to do.”

Karl says he’ll be travelling to Ontario with wife Debbie, where they will take a few days to enjoy Ottawa while attending the CAFE Convention.

 

CAFE is the national voice for Canadian fairs and exhibitions, leading a thriving industry which represents the cultural, emotional, and traditional connections to all Canadians who provide significant economic advancements for their communities.    Through the Canadian Fair Champions program the Canadian Association of Fairs and Exhibitions honours the unsung heroes of the Canadian fair industry at a National level.