This year, JFAO celebrated 80 years at the Rockton World’s Fairground, 812 Old Hwy 8, Rockton, Ontario on August 17th, 2024, with the theme; Making Connections. We had over 200 people in attendance for the dinner and dance. Reminiscing with members new and old for this special milestone. Of this great turnout, there were 19 past presidents who came for the celebration. We had some great presentations from featured guests; Lisa Thompson, JFAO past presidents and our current president, Carson Wagner. Another highlighted presentation was the one presented by the International Delegates, they had everyone laughing and guessing. We had 6 international exchange delegates in attendance who gave their presentations showcasing their 10 weeks travelling across the province. These delegates come from Scotland, Ireland, Switzerland, Germany and Austria. They gave out a lot of awards. Here are the results and bragging rights for the esteemed awards:
Most unlucky Driver: Ian Burnnett from Carleton
Best unofficial hosts: Kelsey Brekelmans from Huron Perth and Jordyn Domio from Wentworth-Niagara
Most eligible bachelorette: Sarah Danen from Oxford
Most eligible bachelor: Ian Pollard from Essex-Kent
Best JF dog: Whiskey from Wentworth Niagara (Matt Smith)
Best Night Out: Crazy Horse with Carleton
Best Activity: Whitewater Rafting with Renfrew
Most Organized: Cailen Bromley from Renfrew
Most poorly constructed wall: Becca Keitel and Phil English from Peterborough
Best Tours: Beatties at Durham and Van Osch with Middlesex
Funniest Host: Cam Alton from Huron Perth
Most Cider Drank: Essex-Kent
Best Wildlife: Durham Region
Most Sangria drank in one night: Middlesex
Most random activity: Ugly shirts golf in Peterborough
It was clear the international delegates at a blast spending time with all of the JFAO counties and everyone was sad to say goodbye. If you are interested in learning more about JFAO’s exchange opportunities, would like to keep in touch for next year’s banquet, or would like to reconnect with past delegates please feel free to contact cip@jfao.on.ca.
After the presentations there was a live and silent auction to raise money towards the future of JFAO events and running the organization. These items were donated by alumni, members and sponsors. With 42 generously donated items, the auction made just over $3,000! Following the auction, everyone took more time to socialize, and share many memories of their time as a JFAO member. And of course, everyone broke out their dancing shoes for square dancing, two stepping and learning a Scottish dance!
Overall, the 80th anniversary was a blast from the past with memorabilia on display, so many great conversations and new connections! This event raised just over $4,200 for JFAO as well as a bar income of $100 donated to our provincial charity, Feed Ontario. Carson Wagner, our JFAO President said, “The event was a great success, and the committee did a great job organizing everything!” He continued, “Thank you to everyone for supporting Junior Farmers over the past 80 years and continuing to support us as we move on to more years ahead!”
Shout out to our event sponsors: Ontario Federation of Agriculture, Grand River Agricultural Society, Kenpal Farm Products, Farm Credit Canada, East Central Region Crop & Soil Improvement Association
Shout out to our auction item donors: Mountainoak Cheese, Stratford Farm Equipment – Gord Mills, MNP, Greenhawk Equestrian Sport – Beamsville, Beef Farmers of Ontario, O’Neil’s Farm Equipment, Equipment Ontario , Pride Seeds, Durham Farmers Co-op Orono & Grafton, TCO Agromart Colborne, The Lass & Ladle Restaurant, Callahan Farm Supplies and all JFAO county clubs.
