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Castor Ag. Society holds AGM

Castor
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The Castor and District Fair is one of my subcommittees discussed at the Castor and District Ag. Society AGM on Jan. 20. (Black Press Media file photo)

Castor and District Agricultural Society wrapped another successful year on Jan. 20 when it hosted its annual general meeting.

Around 50 people were in attendance for the annual supper and meeting, catered by Anne's Country Catering. 

While the society's financial report did show a deficit of around $6,000 for 2024, it was not all bad news. According to Ag. Society Treasurer Larry Weber, The building fund, Castor Fair Board, Farmer's Market, and Rodeo showed profits in 2024. 

The Castor Farmer's Market, thanks to a $10,000 donation from Paintearth County, ended up finishing the year with just short of a $5,000 surplus while the Rodeo finished with a $3,700 surplus. 

Another positive Weber noted is that the debenture used to pay for the Castor Community Hall, which started at over $400,000 has been paid down with only around $11,000 remaining owing on the principal.

Per long-established agreement with the town, the Castor and District Ag. Society is paying down the principal on the debenture while the town is paying the interest charges. 

Weber notes that unless any surprises pop up in 2025, based on payments in previous years the debenture principal should be completely paid off in 2025. 

Castor Mayor Richard Elhard, on hand for the meeting, congratulated the society on its efforts, noting "Volunteers, they're the engine that drives this community."

"You look around at each group, each separate entity within this society, they have contributed so much to this beautiful building and so many other ventures," said Elhard.

Michael Simpson, chief administrative officer for Paintearth County, agreed with Elhard.

"The work you guys are doing is tremendous," said Simpson. "I would just offer a word of encouragement to continue doing that ... look for more from us in the coming year."

Financially for 2025, the Castor and District Ag. Society is projecting a balanced budget of approximately $200,000 in revenue and expenses.

During the individual subcommittee reports, highlights included the rodeo, farmer's market and the fair. 

Tammy Spady presented the rodeo report, noting that the 2024 event had a record number of entries with 50 in the roughstock event alone. 

"We had an exceptionally great turnout for spectators until it started raining," said Spady. "Everyone was pretty much soaked by the end of the rodeo, but who was going to complain with rain on June 21?"

For the Castor Farmer's Market, Fair Manager Kelsey Seth noted "It was a great year for the market" with 64 vendors participating at various times throughout the year. 

Shelly Pals reported on the fair, noting that the 24 edition was a four-day fair for the first time, to great success. 

Continuing, she noted that the bench show received around 1,000 entries, about on par with the year previous. 

"It was a busy, fun-filled weekend," said Pals.

The next Castor and District Ag. Society's annual general meeting is scheduled for Jan. 19, 2026.

Under current legislation, agricultural societies in the province are required to have their annual general meeting by Jan. 20 every year. 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Kevin Sabo

About the Author: Kevin Sabo

Kevin Sabo has been a resident of the Castor area for the last 12 years, first moving to the area in his previous career as an EMT.
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