GNE breaks ground on new pavilion
The Collingwood Agricultural Society is breaking ground on a new pavilion Saturday.
The 50- by 80-foot pavilion is funded in part thanks to revenue from solar panels installed on the roof of the exhibition hall.
“The solar power has put us in a position where we are able to manage more. We have somewhat of a guaranteed income,” said society president Maureen McLeod.
She said, for three days during the annual fall fair the pavilion, which will be fitted with detachable cattle ties, will function as event space. It will be a place where 4H youth can tie up their animals and show animals if the weather doesn’t cooperate. The rest of the time it will be available for weddings, family reunions and picnics because, a lot of people are coming to the fairgrounds for an outdoor wedding, said McLeod.
The pavilion will be ready for the fair this fall and the added space has already prompted the committee to do some revamping of the fair program. For example, the additional space will make room for a Welsh pony show, a new feature this year.
The Society is also kicking off a fundraising campaign and is planning to sell memorial plaques and is offering other ways of supporting the effort.
The official groundbreaking is at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 10, followed by the steak dinner and dance. There will be two fundraising auctions underway that night. For tickets call, 705-444-0308. Admission costs $30 for dinner or $10 for the dance only.
Contributed photo: The Collingwood Agricultural Society held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new pavilion June 10, before its annual steak supper and dance. Pictured: Building committee co-chair Garry Milne, vice president Jim Kinnear, Sr. ambassador Hannah Gardner, president Maureen McLeod, Jr. ambassador Kole Walker, and building committee co-chair Joanne Gregson.
