history
The Raymond and District Agricultural Society was formed in 1908. The objective of the new society was to stimulate the interest of the area residents in all aspects of agriculture including recognizing in a variety of ways, those who have made agriculture successful. For the first few years, the new society was a success with literally everyone entering something in the annual fair which was held in late August or early September.
Membership fees were one dollar per year. Due to the presence of the 1st world war interest was put on hold. The society struggled through the depression years and again during World War II. The society was off and running again in the late 40’s however by 1955 enthusiasm had died down once again. There was almost a 20-year lull before interest was again renewed.
In 1973 word began to circulate that the government was offering a $50,000 grant to any Agricultural Society for the construction of, or renovations to, their existing recreation facilities.
At this time the town was badly in need of artificial ice for the arena. This grant opportunity was too good to pass up. The application was made in February of that year by 72 citizens for permission to form an Agriculture Society. This application was quickly granted and on February 21 the first meeting of the Raymond and District Agricultural Society was held.
Dick Kinsey was named Chairman, Andy Grbavac as Vice Chairman, Bert Hall as Director and town representative and Norma Pack as Secretary. Annual fees were set at one dollar and a fundraising banquet and dance were planned. The society’s charter was presented at that time by a representative of the Alberta Government.
The group applied for funding to install artificial ice in the arena. After meeting with various officials and securing the funding work was begun on the arena. Bids were secured for the construction work and work began in April 1973.
Through the combined efforts of the town crew, the Ag Soc members, and the Lions Club members, the arena was ready for its official opening on June 29, 1974. After the arena was complete it was home to many events including Agricultural Clinics, Horse shows, and even 2 Stampedes. The main reason for the arena was for hockey and skating.
By 1975 the society had disbanded again for lack of interest, but it had performed a very necessary service to the town. In 1987 the Raymond Town Administrator, Brad Watson received word from Alberta Agriculture to the effect that if the Raymond Ag. Soc. Wanted to keep their charter they would have to become an active Society. On September 17, 1987, a meeting was held to re-organize the Raymond and District Agricultural Society. Representatives from the Alberta Government were present along with 16 residents of Raymond and the area.
They were informed early in the meeting that this was possibly the last time the town would have an opportunity to form an agricultural society where they could depend on government grants for support. By the end of the meeting, Paul Mann had been elected Chairman, Lew Lee - Vice Chairman, Dawn Sugimoto – Secretary, and JoAnn Tividar – Treasurer. Important early objectives were set that night including initial planning for fall fairs, agricultural workshops, and for future development of an agricultural museum.
Because they were able to form under the 1973 charter the new board was able to start with its proposed activities. They sponsored their first Christmas craft sale in December 1987 and the first agricultural workshop in May 1988. The society held its first auction and netted $2500.00. Enthusiasm ran high among organizers as they planned their first fall fair in years. The theme chosen for the fair was “Then and Now, Pioneers in Agriculture”
Events began to move quickly when on June 22, 1988, the Programs building from the Raymond home (Care Centre now) was made available to anyone who would move it off the property. The new society was eligible for an Alberta Lotteries grant of $15,000 so it was decided to obtain the building. With the fast footwork of Ceasar Coppieters, Alan Heggie, and Jim Hironaka the wheels were put in motion. The building was moved to its new site in Victoria Park (since renamed Ray Knight Memorial Park). In August 1988 the first fall fair in many years was held attracting more than 700 entries.
The RDAS continued to hold fundraising activities to generate the money necessary for carrying out renovations to the new building. In 1989 Ceasar Coppieters was elected Chairman, Roy Tinney – Vice Chairman, Jim Walters – Vice Chairman and Mary Heggie Secretary/Treasurer. Under this group's supervision renovations were begun on the building. Walls were removed, bathrooms added, and in 1992 a new addition was added bringing the building up to approximately 4000 square feet. An outside deck of 12X68 feet was also added.
The society continues today to serve the area with donations to worthy causes. Fall fairs and the Christmas Craft and Bake sale continue. We are hoping to increase the awareness in our Society with some new ventures in the future.
