Who We Are
The Markdale Agricultural Society is a vibrant community of volunteers who share a profound passion for agriculture and our local area. As a volunteer-run organization, we dedicate ourselves to nurturing and promoting agricultural awareness, while also enhancing the quality of life within our community. Our volunteers are the heart of our society, bringing together diverse experiences and a shared commitment to stewardship, conservation, and community enrichment. The Markdale Agricultural Society is dedicated to fostering a deep appreciation of agriculture and enhancing the quality of life for those in our agricultural community. Our mission is centered on understanding and addressing the unique needs of the agricultural sector through innovative programs. We host engaging agricultural exhibitions with competitions and award prizes to celebrate excellence in farming practices. Additionally, we are committed to the conservation of natural resources and the beautification of our rural landscape. We actively support and provide venues for community activities that enrich rural living.
Our Sponsors
Our Fall Fair
Our 167th Markdale Fall Fair, on August 22nd-23rd, was a great success! Thank you to our Sponsors, Donators, Board Members, Ag Society Members, and the local community for your continued and unwavering support.
We are proud to announce our 2025 Senior Ambassador – Brooke Thompson, and Junior Ambassador – Kadyn Den Haan.
Celebrating the Bounty of Grey County
Ambassador Competition
The Markdale Agricultural Society is always looking for representation of our fair and our community.
Youth between the ages of 9-15 and 17-23 are encouraged to take part in our Ambassador program.
There are so many benefits to this program, the biggest being personal growth. Participation looks fantastic on a resume and there are endless opportunities to meet new people, make new friendships and create lasting connections in the fair community.
Become a Vendor
Interested in registering as a vendor at our next Fall Fair? From food trucks to special attraction performers, we’d love to see you at the fair.
Our Board of Directors
Wayne Shier
President
I often mention that "My family helped carve Highway 10 out of the bush" My roots in the community run deep. I grew up in Artemesia Township, now a part of Grey Highlands, with agriculture being a constant in my life. About 18 years ago, I started leading the Centre Grey 4-H Beef Club and managing our achievement show at the Markdale Fall Fair. Since then, I've been an active member of the Society, serving on the board for several years and now in my 4th year as President. This role has allowed me to meet many wonderful people, as we work to promote agriculture and engage in community projects. The Markdale Ag Society is thriving, especially with the younger generation bringing new ideas and continuing traditions.
A fun fact about me – I'm a die-hard fan of the Leafs. It's been challenging over the years, but just like in farming, I always hold onto hope that next year will be better.
Elaine Smyth
1st Vice President
I am Elaine Smyth and currently, I’m the Vice-President of the Markdale Agricultural Society. I was born and raised on a farm just east of Berkeley and lived there until I was 9 years old. In 1970, my parents moved to Markdale. I have been involved with the Markdale Fall Fair since childhood. My mother was a Director on the Board at one time and my passion for the fair comes from her. I have many fond memories of attending the fair with my mother and father over the years. I have been a member of the Markdale Agricultural Society since 1994 and have held most of the positions on the Board, at least once! We have a great group of volunteers that work very hard to put on the fair each year and while we can run into many roadblocks and frustrations, we always come out the other side planning for the next year's fair! I hope to see the Markdale Agricultural Society expand to offer classes that promote the homecraft arts. I’m always on the hunt to find individuals interested in starting a 4-H club so our youth population can get involved in agriculture.
At present, I’m retired from Grey Bruce Health Services (now known as Brightshores Health Systems) but I work part time for a driving service, driving clients to and from the airport. I live east of Berkeley once again, just around the corner from that farm I grew up on!
Reuben McCallum
2nd Vice President
I became a member of the Markdale Agricultural Society in 2022, introducing the Markdale Cruise Night Car Show to the organization. My association with the Markdale fair dates back to my early childhood. Raised on a farm, my upbringing fostered a deep-rooted interest in agriculture and tradition. I am enthusiastic about contributing to the evolution of this fair, supporting its growth and community. The fair provides an excellent opportunity to showcase the diverse offerings of our agricultural community while upholding cherished traditions. Fun fact about me- I have planted a veggie garden every year since I was 14 and preserve my harvest, adding canning to my skill set in 2022!
Ruth Ann Hellyer
Treasurer/Director
Hello, I am Ruth Ann Hellyer, the treasurer of the Markdale Agricultural Society.
I was born in Markdale and raised in the community of Lauriston, west of Markdale where I was encouraged by my parents and grandparents to enter in the fair (as they had done).
I joined the Society board when I became old enough. That first year I helped with the field crop class and attended my first Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies District 10 spring meeting in Kincardine where I got "hooked" in the networking opportunities within the fair community. Fast forward fifty-one years, I am helping the Markdale Society as they get ready to host the 2024 OAAS District 10 Spring meeting.
Over the span of my Society membership I worked in the city (yes, traveling a couple of hours to attend monthly meetings), and since retiring, have served on most committees and roles in both the local Society and the District level. Even being the Homecraft Director for Grey-Bruce on the Ontario board. This has made me very aware of how critical it is to help others understand agriculture.
Many are now generations away from growing and raising their food, or even knowing how to use agricultural products. So to promote rural living, how to protect the environment, all while entertaining people at a fair, is something I can get completely behind.
This need was humorously demonstrated by a friend recounting that while she worked at the Royal Winter Fair, she was shocked to hear a tour leader tell a class of students that -"maple syrup came from milking squirrels!"
Heather McTaggart
Secretary/Director
Born and raised in Owen Sound, I moved to Flesherton 10 years ago. In 2023, I joined the Markdale Agricultural Society with the hope of bringing a fresh approach and vision to encourage its longevity. I enjoy attending the Markdale Fall Fair and look forward to diving into all the society offers, aiming to introduce new events to the community. Passionate about community involvement, I hope to inspire younger individuals to join and contribute to the society's vibrant future.
Nancy Strutt
Homecraft Director
I have been an active member of the Markdale Agriculture Society for over 35 years. I was born and raised in downtown Burlington on a Market Garden farm. Gord and I met at the University of Guelph and moved to this area in 1976 when I secured a teaching job. We purchased our farm a year later and raised our 3 children there. I love to promote agriculture and have been involved with every aspect of the fair. Now, my grandchildren participate at the fair. In the future, I hope that we can encourage the new residents of Markdale to voice their ideas and joins us in becoming members and participating at the fair.
Megan Teeter
Director
‘Youth’ and ‘Community’ are two passions that strive me to create events and opportunities for my hometown, Markdale. Growing up in Markdale since 2012 has shown me how important small communities are for youth development, social engagement, and growth within a society. I have been involved with MAS since being Junior Ambassador in 2016-17, and went on to win Ontario Mid-West Little Miss Princess in 2017-18, I then ran and was titled Senior Ambassador in 2022-23, and joined the board as an executive director in 2023. During my time as ambassador I volunteered, attended events and fundraisers and learnt more about my community.
I am currently the chair and an executive director for the MAS Ambassador and Fundraising committee, while balancing being a full-time student at Georgian College in the Architectural Technology program. I am the founder of the MAS Annual Slo-Pitch Tournament (last weekend in July), along with paint night and other fundraisers throughout the year. I am passionate about educating and encouraging youth leadership in my community and hosting events that support local traditions and enrich rural living. I am excited for what 2025 holds for our community. Hope to see you at the Markdale Fall Fair!
Janie Hanna
Director
Cultivating Community, Harvesting Tradition
Markdale Agricultural Society
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