SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Click for the printable PDF version of the April 9, 2020 press release regarding the 2020 Abernethy Agricultural Fair.
Abernethy Agricultural Society, Box 177, Abernethy, Saskatchewan S0A 0A0
PRESS RELEASE: April 9, 2020
The 2020 Abernethy Agricultural Fair & Exhibition has been cancelled due to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Public health must and always will come first.
This decision has been made by the board and representatives of the Horse Show and Special Events with a great
deal of consultation, discussion and regret. Unfortunately, the Fair, planned for July 24, will not go ahead as planned
this year. In these unprecedented times, we have consulted with peers from SAASE and CAFE (the Saskatchewan
and Canadian Associations of Agricultural Fairs and Exhibitions), and SHF (the Saskatchewan Horse Federation). We
have followed the health official and government press conferences for the last month. In light of present
circumstances, this decision was unavoidable.
We are deeply grateful to our many donors and sponsors who have generously donated in 2020. We are fully
committed to ensuring that your contributions now and in the future go towards offering a top-notch Fair for
our community. THANK YOU!
From its earliest beginnings in 1907, the Abernethy Agricultural Society has provided opportunities for people to gather
for enjoyment and learning. As we adapt in the face of a global emergency, we will continue in this community spirit.
We don’t yet know what events we may plan for later this year. They could take the form of digital Fair events as has
already happened at a Spring Fair in England. If it is safe to do so, we will plan in-person events later this Summer/Fall
in cooperation with our partners including Abernethy Co-op, Abernethy Community Players, Abernethy Rink and the
Motherwell Homestead National Historic Site to name just four!
This is not the first time that the Abernethy Fair has been cancelled. There were at least two years in the 1930s when
there was no Fair. A field day at the Motherwell Farm was substituted in 1933 with agricultural and domestic arts
demonstrations, races and a community picnic “with (clear) tea & coffee supplied by the Society” (Source: Dance on the
Bridge: A History of Abernethy and Area). During the years of the Great Depression, the Agricultural Society planned
events other than a one-day Fair.
AND we will do so this year!
Thank you also to all our volunteers, exhibitors, and patrons. If you wish to become involved with or donate to the
Abernethy Agricultural Society, we welcome hearing from you!
Our work continues: repairing the Exhibit Building, reorganizing for future events with new public health standards,
creating Archives by searching for original Fair books & photos, and researching other small Fairs for new ideas.
Mark next year’s date on your calendar: Friday, July 23, 2021.
We look forward to seeing you!
Meanwhile, look after each other and stay safe!
Follow our Facebook page at Abernethy Agricultural Society. Check our website at: www.aberagsociety.sk.ca
Email us at: abernethyag@gmail.com
For more info, contact at Area Code 306: Horse Show Coordinator Karissa Lingelbach 331.7779 or
Board Members: Catherine Barnsley 270.6394, Megan Bennett 333.9996, Megan Garratt 331.6837,
Nancy Garratt 332.7206, Judy Legaarden 333.2173, Sydna Stilborn 332.2571, Colleen Stueck 525.4822.
Abernethy Agricultural Society, Box 177, Abernethy, Saskatchewan S0A 0A0
PRESS RELEASE: April 9, 2020
The 2020 Abernethy Agricultural Fair & Exhibition has been cancelled due to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Public health must and always will come first.
This decision has been made by the board and representatives of the Horse Show and Special Events with a great
deal of consultation, discussion and regret. Unfortunately, the Fair, planned for July 24, will not go ahead as planned
this year. In these unprecedented times, we have consulted with peers from SAASE and CAFE (the Saskatchewan
and Canadian Associations of Agricultural Fairs and Exhibitions), and SHF (the Saskatchewan Horse Federation). We
have followed the health official and government press conferences for the last month. In light of present
circumstances, this decision was unavoidable.
We are deeply grateful to our many donors and sponsors who have generously donated in 2020. We are fully
committed to ensuring that your contributions now and in the future go towards offering a top-notch Fair for
our community. THANK YOU!
From its earliest beginnings in 1907, the Abernethy Agricultural Society has provided opportunities for people to gather
for enjoyment and learning. As we adapt in the face of a global emergency, we will continue in this community spirit.
We don’t yet know what events we may plan for later this year. They could take the form of digital Fair events as has
already happened at a Spring Fair in England. If it is safe to do so, we will plan in-person events later this Summer/Fall
in cooperation with our partners including Abernethy Co-op, Abernethy Community Players, Abernethy Rink and the
Motherwell Homestead National Historic Site to name just four!
This is not the first time that the Abernethy Fair has been cancelled. There were at least two years in the 1930s when
there was no Fair. A field day at the Motherwell Farm was substituted in 1933 with agricultural and domestic arts
demonstrations, races and a community picnic “with (clear) tea & coffee supplied by the Society” (Source: Dance on the
Bridge: A History of Abernethy and Area). During the years of the Great Depression, the Agricultural Society planned
events other than a one-day Fair.
AND we will do so this year!
Thank you also to all our volunteers, exhibitors, and patrons. If you wish to become involved with or donate to the
Abernethy Agricultural Society, we welcome hearing from you!
Our work continues: repairing the Exhibit Building, reorganizing for future events with new public health standards,
creating Archives by searching for original Fair books & photos, and researching other small Fairs for new ideas.
Mark next year’s date on your calendar: Friday, July 23, 2021.
We look forward to seeing you!
Meanwhile, look after each other and stay safe!
Follow our Facebook page at Abernethy Agricultural Society. Check our website at: www.aberagsociety.sk.ca
Email us at: abernethyag@gmail.com
For more info, contact at Area Code 306: Horse Show Coordinator Karissa Lingelbach 331.7779 or
Board Members: Catherine Barnsley 270.6394, Megan Bennett 333.9996, Megan Garratt 331.6837,
Nancy Garratt 332.7206, Judy Legaarden 333.2173, Sydna Stilborn 332.2571, Colleen Stueck 525.4822.