President Don Graham led the proceedings at the 157th Annual Meeting of the Rockton Agricultural Society last Friday (January 25).

Kayla Pasuta, 2008 Rockton Fair Ambassador, set the tone for the evening, with an eloquent speech. The university student said she looks forward to participating in the many events of Rockton's calendar year, noting, "I am proud to represent the Fair I have grown up in and my priority is to work with the fair directors to do the best job I possibly can."

The board heard reports of a growing and soundly managed association and ten nominees expressed their willingness to stand for election to the board. Liz Whetham will step up to second vice-president and six new board members (Dave Leslie, John Borer, Bruce McKnight, John Overmeyer, Karen Majors and Doug Smith) will join the 12 current board members led by 2008 President, Kevin Thompson.

Every year, the Annual Meeting recognizes volunteers who donate their time and commitment to Rockton Agricultural Society. One of the youngest recipients this year was Roy Lorie, who received the Junior Associate Director award. He acknowledged Joe Betzner and Ken Lisso as mentors who inspired him to become involved at Rockton.

When Jean Rappolt received the Honorary Life Membership award, she told of moving to Rockton from Saskatchewan in 1937 and hearing of the 7,000 people who swarmed to Rockton for the annual fair. She was inspired to become involved and has been an active participant for 60 years - and looks forward to many more.

Retiring Board Member, Bob Am was the recipient of both the Ed Oldham Award and an Honourary Life Membership.

The latter was presented by almost-octogenarian, Andy McLaughlin, whose recollections and advice will long be remembered in the annals of how-to-present-an-award.

The highlight of this entertaining evening was the arrival of The Duchess of Norwood (aka Eleanor Wood), who with tiara sparkling and English accent dripping, properly presented a Life Membership Award to Fran Oldham. Fran has worked in many areas of the fair and particularly enjoys her present involvement with the Fair Ambassador program.

Currently there are more than 600 associate directors involved with the RAS and Tim Christianson, who with his wife Barb received the Service Diploma, noted that it is everyone working together for agriculture that keeps the Rockton Agricultural Society strong.

Sandra Hanes echoed these sentiments when she received the O.A.A.S. Accomplishment Award. Another tireless worker, Sandra feels that volunteering at Rockton is its own reward. She encouraged every Associate to "find ways in whatever area of the Fair you work in to involve youth. They are the future!" A fitting message to take home from an evening of enthusiasm, celebration and laughter.