of Commerce to a society meeting to offer assistance.
That year the chamber organized chariot races and a
large rally was planned. Rain fell however and many
activities were cancelled. The society had a hard year
financially but this was nothing new for the directors
and with faith, and hard work they were able to
overcome the set back.

The idea of a pot luck supper at the annual meet—
ing created interest and a good attendance resulted.
The society printed their own prize lists for several
years in order to save on expenses. With 1980 so
close how could they give up, so on they struggled.
Things did improve steadily during the years of the
70’s. Stage shows and contests were arranged as fair
afternoon entertainment. Displays and demonstra-
tions were encouraged and this has proved a very
interesting and growing part of the exhibition. Cattle
numbers dropped drastically and cattle classes have
not been on a regular basis but this is happening to all
fairs.

It is only with the support of the many local
organizations and clubs that the Society can carry on.
The Chamber of Commerce has for many years
organized a good parade, the Old Timers Hockey
Club have worked hard with the directors to improve
the ball diamonds and clean up the grounds, the 4~H
clubs are always involved with the show; the Figure
Skating Club, Rebecca Lodge and many others assist
with food booths and the many different events that
all help to make a fair a greater success. Local busi-
nesses donate trophies, gift certificates and gate
prizes.

When Stonewall celebrated its centennial in 3978
the Society had a two day fair and added attractions to
coincide with this event. Horse races, pony chariots,
a barbecue, gigantic parade, and all other activities
found at a country fair.

In 1979 we started a Garden Tractor Pull Compe-
tition and this seems to be of interest to the younger
people. During the past years we have also had a
Talent Show, Horseshoe Tournament. Old Time Fid-
dling contest, and a stage show.

As 79 was a build up to our Centennial celebra—
tions in 198ll the fair had many added features. The
weather was beautiful and a large crowd attended.
Ukranian Dancers. Majorettes, Judo demonstra-
tions, at Baby contest, Champion whistler, C. W. H.
A. and a Purebred cattle show also numerous dis-
plays and demonstrations all added to the success of
this years annual exhibition.

l980 . . . Centennial Year . . . 100 years of
Progress. The Agricultural Society directors were
pleased to organize their years activities and to work
in conjunction with the Rural Municipality of Rock-

65

 

 

 

 

Rockwood Agricultural Society Centennial Crest.

wood in a joint event at fair time so to celebrate this
occasion together:

The society adapted a crest designed by Norman
Kin. Ribbons were printed in red, white, blue and
yellow and beautifully displayed the crest in gold
with gold lettering. Each exhibitor winning a prize
was given a centennial ribbon as a keep sake.

The crest was also used on souveniers, hats,
plates, hon-hon dishes and our Cook Book and Story
Book, fair prize lists and on many other occasions. A
banner was also painted to be used in parades and at
display areas. Our colors were gold and white and we
used them at every opportunity.

The Cook Book was a favourite souvenir and
found its way into many homes. The edition included
prize winning recipes of years gone by and will be a
memory for years to come. A story of the “100 Fair
Years” was written and sold in order to keep the story
of the Society from the beginning as a guide today
and remind us of the determination of our early
pioneers.

The Society prepared a prize list early in the year
that included many centennial specials. They
brought back memories in classes that added the
bound huttonholes and a section for daming the heel
of a sock. Many extra specials were included and the