The 32nd anniversary of the Drayton Farm Show is as much about community as it is about agriculture, and here the two go hand in hand.
“We had a good turnout last year, with approximately 2,000 people coming through the door,” said John Klaassen, chair of this year’s show, hosted by the Drayton Kinsmen Club. “We are expecting above average turnout this year.”
The two-day event takes place at the PMD Arena in Drayton April 3 and 4 from 11am to 10pm.
“The layout is the same as last year, because it works,” Klaassen explained.
Organizers credit the success of the show to its roots and remain focused on being rural Ontario’s agribusiness showcase. The impact on economic development within the community and surrounding areas encourages support for local businesses.
“We have a few new exhibitors coming in this year,” said Klaassen.
He noted over 100 exhibitors are slated for the event, including a wide range of products and services, bringing innovation and technology to the agricultural industry.
“We have products that are new and innovative and this is a chance to meet the people that know the most about it,” Klaassen said.
He added that type of expertise is one of the draws that keeps people returning year after year. But Klaassen stressed the show is not just for farmers. There are displays, information booths and educational opportunities for everyone.
“There is a lot of equipment and items not just for farmers, like heating and mechanical systems, pressure-washers, services, things that people can use every day and not just on the farm,” he said.
The family-friendly show welcomes all ages, making the event much like the family farm – an important agricultural tradition, with generations taking part.
“There is fun stuff for the kids … a lot of tractors, usually a couple of ATVs. The kids like climbing the tractors and seeing the big equipment.”
Perhaps the most important tradition is the collectible toy tractor – this year a customized International Farmall 1256.
“They’re usually sold out before the show. It’s a good little project for the club,” said Klaassen, adding the volunteers decal the tractors to make them unique for the show. “The regulars who come to the show like them.”
The farm show is presented by the Drayton Kinsmen, many of whom are farmers or active in some aspect of agriculture, and thus, the show is run by community volunteers.
“We [Drayton Kinsmen] have a lot of community projects on the go and this is our biggest fundraiser. Those projects depend on the success of this event,” he said, noting proceeds from this year’s show will support the construction of new playgrounds in Drayton and Moorefield, a project they will share with the Moorefield Optimists.
Admission to the show is $3 with $1 going to cystic fibrosis research, a cause the Kinsmen work to support nationally.
“The show has been going for 32 years, so we’ve got to be doing something right,” said Klaassen. He hopes participants and visitors this year will agree.
