1. Milverton Agricultural Society’s 150 th Building Project “promoting agriculture in our community since 1862” Presented by; Helen Dowd

2. History   In 1863 the Mornington Agricultural Society became an official organization   In 1962 the name changed to the Milverton Agricultural Society (MAS).   In 1967 – it was recognized as a Registered Charity.   In 1992 MAS gifted a portion of the Milverton Fairgrounds to the village of Milverton to build what is the Perth East Recreation Complex.

3. What events does the MAS host?   Milverton Fair (since 1863)   Milverton Rodeo (with our partners since 1991)   Milverton Earth Day Event (since 2008)   Weekly Milverton Farmers’ Market (since 2008)   Ambassador Program (since 1985)

4. The Canadian National Exhibition has had more Ambassadors from Milverton than any other place in Ontario!

5. Who do we collaborate with & support in the community?   Branch 565 Royal Canadian Legion   Milverton Horse Club   Ball Teams   Milverton Lions & Optimist Club of Mornington   Milverton Legion Band,   Milverton Beautification Committee   Local vendors who sell at the Farmers’ Market   Milverton Business Association

6. What changed? In 2008 we realized that; a) a)our four out-buildings were no longer meeting our needs in size, safety and purpose  b) b)the community had rented a tent for $5,000 a year for 20 years to host the Milverton Rodeo…money that could have been invested in our own infrastructure  c) c)our 150 th Anniversary was coming in 2013

7. The paint was worn off…

8. The doors were too small…

9. Half the buildings were no longer on our property…

10. Ontario Trillium Foundation had this to say to us…   “Milverton is the centre of Agriculture in Perth County and Perth County is the centre of Agriculture in Ontario, and Ontario is the centre of Agriculture for Canada. You are thinking “cosmetic” – you need to think big-picture”.   They told us they saw a new structure at the centre of our Grounds, a new food booth and an updated washroom facility…

11. Then we saw it too… One structure that will allow us space to:   Promote Agriculture in our Community   Bring Tourism to our Region   Foster Rural Education for our Children

12. So our volunteers got behind it!

13. Our service clubs got behind it

14. it.. And our community got behind it..

15. And this…

16. Became this… Milverton Agri Centre (MAC)

17. So… Who uses the MAC?

18. Milverton Fair

19. Fair Milverton Fair

20. Milverton Rodeo

21. And the legendary Milverton Rodeo Dance

22. Our Weekly Milverton Farmers’ Market

23. Milverton Horse Club

24. Special events (like our 150 th Anniversary)

25. NEW 2014 Users   Perth County’s Forbidden Ride Motorcycle Event in May   Riverdale Mennonite Church Auction   3 Buck & Does   A Country Wedding   Dinner for the PCVA’s Straw Bale Sculpture Tour

26. Our Project Outline… Phase 1 – (completed June 2011 ) Initial Construction through to Occupancy Permit Stage. Phase 2 – (completed June 2012) Kitchen Installation and Washroom Renovations Phase 3 – (in progress) Installation of the 150 th Mural Project and final fundraising.

27. Project Check-Point   Total Project Cost $ 475,000   Raised to date $ 400,000

28. But we need your help to raise the final $ 75,000…

29. Donation Information   All donations are 100% income tax deductible as we are a registered charity, not-for-profit organization.   All donors will be recognized, according to the appropriate category, on our Project Donor Board.

30. Why is support of this project crucial?   Space for community groups to gather/use   Space for new memories to be created   Improves facilities (health, safety & sanitary conditions)   Inspires new life in our Ag. Society with passionate new volunteers & directors   Increases economic development in our community (employment and rental income)   Improves the attractiveness of the property

31.   $ 15,000 (Pioneer Hi-Bred)   $ 10,000 (Premier Equipment, Hyland Seeds)   $ 5,000 (Trillium Mutual Insurance Co.) Corporate Levels of Support…

32. Your turn…   Comments…   Questions?

33. So… Can we count on you to help us reach our goal?