Ag society secretary retires after three decades

FERGUS  – A long-time Fergus Agricultural Society (FAS) executive board member received a standing ovation at the organization’s annual meeting earlier this year and has now officially retired from her role. 

Wendy Whittaker of Rockwood served as secretary or secretary-treasurer for over three decades. 

“It is incredible that Wendy has been the go-to contact for Fergus Fall Fair exhibitors and volunteers for such a long tenure,” said FAS director Rebecca Hannam in a news release. 

“She supported 16 presidents through their terms on the board of directors and has recorded minutes at hundreds of meetings.”

Whittaker became secretary in 1993 when Doris Bowman retired from the role. 

She has also served on the Fergus Fall Fair advertising and publicity, ambassador, plants and flowers, finance and car show committees and was presented a lifetime membership last September. 

Jade Ritter of Fergus has been selected as the organization’s new secretary. She was the 2018/2019 Fergus Fall Fair Ambassador and has served on the board of directors since 2020. 

Whittaker plans to mentor Ritter throughout 2026 and continue coordinating the Fergus Fall Fair antique and classic car show with her husband Neil. 

The Fergus Agricultural Society is a non-profit organization that aims to promote agriculture, celebrate rural lifestyles, recognize talent and inspire connections. 

The organization will host an Agriculture Education Day for Grade 5 students, Trivia Night Fundraiser, Breakfast and Blooms event and the 189th Fergus Fall Fair this year.

 Event details will be announced at fergusfallfair.ca and on Facebook and Instagram.