Lindsay Agricultural Society names outstanding volunteers of the year

The Lindsay Agricultural Society (LAS) was pleased to host its annual volunteer appreciation night on August 24, 2023. This event is hosted annually to show appreciation and recognize the dedicated individuals who volunteer to support the Lindsay Agricultural Society throughout the year. More than 300 dedicated volunteers give their valuable time to the LAS in various ways, including by serving on the Board of Directors, serving on an LAS organizing committee, helping in the LAS Kitchen, or by simply being available to lend a hand when needed.

Those in attendance last Thursday were treated to a wonderful meal coordinated and cooked by LAS kitchen coordinator Suzanne Barker alongside a team of volunteers including Audrey Quibell, Barb Francis, Michelle Shipway, and Adam Nesbitt. The meat was generously prepared and donated by Adam Hayward of Nesbitt’s Meats in Lindsay.

The loonie auction is a longstanding tradition at this event and was once again led by talented and entertaining Doug Pearson. Auction items were generously donated and included a variety of gift certificates to local stores, 10 pounds of local ground beef, a hand-quilted baby blanket, homemade preserves, fresh eggs, local maple syrup, homemade brownies, and home-grown floral arrangements. Thanks to the competitive bidding, $854.00 was raised to support the Lindsay Agricultural Society.

The most anticipated part of the evening was the announcement of the recipient of the Outstanding Volunteer Recognition Award. Although all the LAS volunteers are deserving of recognition, this award is reserved for those who show incredible dedication not only to their role as a volunteer, but by upholding the values and mission of the LAS, by promoting the LAS in the community, and making significant contributions to the advancement of the Society.

The 2023 LAS Outstanding Volunteer Recognition Award went to “The Blackstock Trio” – Joan Swain, Bev Goslin, and John Goslin

It is rare that a group of volunteers is nominated for this award, but in this case, this group who always volunteers together and truly embodies the idea of teamwork was truly deserving of the group nomination. This trio of volunteers has shown exceptional dedication to the LAS in a wide range of roles. They are an integral part of the heavy horse show community at the LAS and beyond, and their experience, commitment, and drive to host a successful show at the LEX rivals few. They take on many responsibilities leading up to, during, and following the LEX including preparing the ring, recruiting sponsors, recording results, and are the leaders in innovative sponsor recognition. They’ve also served on the LAS board of directors, chaired several committees, and have spent countless hours cooking, cleaning, and serving in the LAS Kitchen. Although as a group their service to the LAS is exceptional, their individual contributions are also worthy of recognition as each of these volunteers has left their own unique and indelible mark on the Society. Congratulations!

Volunteer Milestone Awards

10 years of service

Steve Norris
Michelle Snodden

15 years of service

Tracey Alder
Ann Marie Durward-Taylor

20 years of service

Tricia Staples
Melanie Stainton

25 years of service

Barb McGregor
Evelyn Chambers

30 years of service

Alecia McQuarrie
Greg Snoddon

The Lindsay Agricultural Society is also pleased to recognize the following volunteers who have been nominated to receive the Ontario Volunteer Service award for their years of service to the LAS: Bradley Bowen, Tom Callaghan, John Lester and Paul Lindquist.

Amy-Jo Archer, chair of the volunteer appreciation committee was pleased with the evening. “Our committee has worked hard over the past several months to bring this evening together,” she said. “Speaking as a volunteer myself, it is always a good feeling to be able to recognize all of the hardworking volunteers who ensure that the LAS has the support it needs throughout each year.”

LAS president Bev Fisher echoed Archer’s sentiments. “The staff and board of directors look forward to this evening each year as an opportunity to welcome every LAS volunteer and express our gratitude for the many hours contributed throughout the year. Simply put, it would be impossible for the LAS to function without them.” On a personal note, Fisher also said, “I am continuously inspired by the knowledge and passion that this community has for not only the fair but all the events that we host here at the LAS grounds.”

The Lindsay Agricultural Society is always pleased to welcome new volunteers. Those who are interested in joining the LAS’s roster of volunteers are encouraged to reach out to .