FERGUS – The Fergus Agricultural Society has honoured three community members with lifetime memberships.
Fergus’ Susan Harrop, Elora’s Henry Vervoort, and Rockwood’s Wendy Whittaker were each recognized this month for longtime contributions to the ag society and Fergus Fall Fair.
Lifetime membership is reserved for individuals who have contributed “exceptional time, effort and work to improve the Society,” a press release said.
Volunteers must have committed at least 25 years and be actively involved to be eligible.
“We are pleased to recognize and honour these volunteers who have had a profound impact on the activities of the Fergus Agricultural Society for many years,” said past society president Tayler Black.
Harrop joined the organization 40 years ago, when she moved here. She has co-chaired the fair’s handicraft committee since 1987, and has coordinated the yard and business display competitions since 2005.
Harrop has also long served on the board, including as president in 2001-02. Though she retired as a director in 2008, Harrop supports the board at monthly meetings and volunteers as liaison with the Centre Wellington.
Vervoort has volunteered at the fair since 1984, organizing dairy cattle shows and field crop competitions.
Vervoort also served as board director, and was agricultural society president in 2007-08 and 2015-16.
Whittaker has volunteered on fair committees for 37 years, and served as secretary and secretary-treasurer of the ag society since 1993. The trio joins existing lifetime members: John Broadfoot, Bonnie DenHoed, Peter DenHoed, Ted Kent, Jim McFarlane and John Worton.
Society volunteers revived the lifetime member program in 2024. Entrants are named annually. The Fergus Agricultural Society hosts the annual Fergus Fall Fair.
