Fergus Agricultural Society names three lifetime members

CENTRE WELLINGTON – Three outstanding community volunteers have been named lifetime members of the Fergus Agricultural Society.

Ted Kent of Fergus, Jim McFarlane of Guelph-Eramosa and John Worton of Guelph were recognized for their longtime contributions at the recent 187th Fergus Fall Fair.

“We are very proud to recognize these three members and all of the hard work they have contributed to the organization over the past decades,” said Fergus Agricultural Society president Paul Rappolt.

This year marks the 50th year that Kent has volunteered for the Society. He served as president in 1980, 1981, 2011 and 2012.  Kent has been active on Fergus Fall Fair committees in entertainment, field crops and ground maintenance.

McFarlane first became involved in the Fergus Fall Fair as a tractor puller in 1979 and has participated in every tractor pull the Society has since hosted.

He started volunteering in 1982 and served as president in 1993 and 1994.

Both Kent and McFarlane have inspired their children and grandchildren to volunteer annually at the fair, representing three generations in their families.

Worton has been involved in the Fergus Fall Fair truck and tractor pull since the mid 1980s. He has been a puller, sled operator and dedicated promoter.

Worton has played an active role on the board of directors for many years and served as president in 2013 and 2014.

The three new members join existing lifetime members John Broadfoot, Bonnie DenHoed and Peter DenHoed.

The Society has recently revamped the lifetime member program and plans to name three members annually.

Lifetime membership is a class reserved for individuals who have contributed exceptional time, effort and work to improve the Society.

They must have volunteered for at least 25 years and continue to be involved in some capacity.