The Yorkton Exhibition Association has been unable to hold any of its normally scheduled events in 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions.
That has meant revenues have basically been nil, with Barb Woytas manager of the YEA begging revenues down 95 to 100 per cent.
Without money coming in, planning for 2021 events difficult, so Friday the YEA launched a unique fundraiser to help get some cashflow heading into 2021.
鈥淣ot being able to hold our normal annual events has had a significant impact on our organization,鈥� said Brett Callin, YEA Director at a press conference held at the Gallagher Centre. 鈥淲e are reaching out to the community for some help in a different but much needed way.鈥漚
The way Callin was referring too was for area farmers to donate grain to the YEA in support of what the organization does.
鈥淭he idea of a 'Grain Drive' was considered and here is what we are looking for,鈥� said Callin; 鈥淲e are asking for those who want to support our cause to offer donations of grain to the Yorkton Exhibition. We as directors will arrange for the pick-up trucking and selling of the grain.鈥�
Callin said the money raised will be used to help with events that they hope to hold in 2021 if regulations allow.
鈥淵our support of grain donations at this time will ensure a strong future for our organization,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 often been said that we are in this together and this is one example of how together we can work on helping each other out. Your donation will help us and our events provide entertainment for you and your family as has happened for the past 135 years.
鈥淭his project with your support, however large or small, will create cash flow now for the Yorkton Exhibition to continue to plan and work on events in the future.鈥�
In terms of what the YEA does, Callin noted the organization has had a long history of doing varied events for the community to attend and enjoy.
鈥淭he Yorkton Agricultural & Industrial Exhibition Association Limited or now better known as the Yorkton Exhibition Association came into existence in 1883 when Agricultural Societies were first organized in the province,鈥� he explained.
鈥淭he very first Yorkton Fair was held the following year on September 9, 1884 at the Yorkton Farmer鈥檚 Colonization Company鈥檚 old town site, located four miles from the present Exhibition grounds. That fair was the first social event of the settlement and such a success that an annual event has been held every year since, until now.鈥�
Callin noted the YEA prides itself on always trying to bring exciting agricultural, educational, cultural and entertaining events year after year. Some of which have included the annual Summer Fair and Outdoor Rodeo, Grain Millers Harvest Showdown, Chuckwagon & Chariot Races, RCMP Musical Ride, Harness Racing, Demolition Derbies, Concerts, Tradeshows, Horse Pulls and Horse Shows, Yorkton Hyundai Truck and Tractor Pulls, Mud Flings, Snow Drags, Stock Dog Competitions, Commercial Cattle Shows and Sales, 4-H Spring Steer & Heifer Show, Farm Safety Days, PBR and more.
鈥淭he Yorkton Exhibition events continue to be the meeting place for friends and neighbours to catch up, discuss seeding or harvest plans, share family milestones and highlights and just sit back and relax at one of the many Yorkton Exhibition events while enjoying a beverage or bite to eat,鈥� said Callin.
He reiterated, 鈥�2020 has had a great impact on our organization as it would have seen the 136th annual summer fair and 32nd annual Grain Millers Harvest Showdown. Not even the depression stopped people from getting together in support of each other and our organization.鈥�
But, events will return, with some financial help, said Callin.
鈥淭he Yorkton Exhibition鈥檚 motto is 'bringing friends and neighbours together' and unfortunately due to the circumstances we have not been able to hold events and come together as we have in the past, but we are optimistic for the future and look forward to once again hosting all of your event favourites and more, but we need a little help to get us there,鈥� he said.
To show your support and be part of the 'Grain Drive', contact any Yorkton Exhibition Director or call the Yorkton Exhibition Office at (306) 783-4800. Cash donations are also accepted and can be made by etransfer, over the phone or online through our website at www.yorktonexhibition.com.
