2011 board.
Count on the Carp Fair to be full of fun and laughs again this year. The executive directors of the Carp Agricultural Society include, from left, Paul Caldwell (first vice-president agriculture), Heather Johnston (first-vice-president homecraft), Joyce Trafford (general manager), Blair Armstrong (agriculture president) and Lynn Hudson (homecraft president).
Krista Johnston
Commitment, creativity and a caring attitude are three attributes that best describe Blair Armstrong and Lynn Hudson.
As the new agricultural and home craft presidents of the Carp Agricultural Society, both Armstrong and Hudson have their work cut out for them as they embark on planning a successful year of activities that will not only raise money for important causes but also bring members of the community closer together.
Born and raised in Carp, Armstrong says he has attended the annual Carp Fair since he was a toddler. Now married with two children, Armstrong has managed to play an active role in the community for many years.
Between his day job with the Canadian Real Estate Association in Ottawa, Armstrong has managed to coach both soccer and softball teams in his time off and has spent 12 years on the board of the Carp Agricultural Society.
“I grew up here and it’s my town,” says Armstrong. “I went to my first Carp Fair when I was less than a year old and I’ve been to every one since. It’s part of something that I can give my time back to, to keep it going.”
As a mother of three and the co-owner of a market-garden operation in Kinburn, Hudson has been an avid volunteer with several groups in the area, including the Arnprior Blue Fish Swimming Club, the West Carleton Soccer Association, the West Carleton Minor Hockey Association and the Carp Agricultural Society.
“When I moved into the area almost 21 years ago, my neighbor across the road, Mary Samson, asked me to come on the (Carp Agricultural Society) board the year she was coming off,” Hudson explained. “I’ve been on the board since 1999.”
As one of the society’s largest fundraisers of the year, Hudson is excited to announce this year’s Ladies’ Night will support a local cause that is close to her heart – Do It For Daron.
Since taking her own life last November, 14-year-old Daron Richardson has gained wide-spread media attention as her mother Stephanie and father Luke, a former NHL player and assistant coach of the Ottawa Senators, embark on an awareness campaign to shed light to the dark issue of suicide – the second-leading cause of death among teens.
On April 14 at 6 p.m. the home craft president and fellow board members will deck themselves out in the colour purple (Daron’s favourite colour) to host one of the area’s most renowned social events at the W. Erskine Johnston Arena.
To encourage more socializing amongst women in the community, this year’s event will host a live and silent auction, featuring top-of-the-line brands of purses, such as Coach and Elle, says Hudson.
A disc jockey has also been hired to provide entertainment, along with numerous vendors that will showcase many women-oriented products.
“There will be a variety of items and something for everyone,” Hudson says. “About $3,000 annually (from this event) goes to charity. We decided to support this cause because I have two teenage daughters of my own. When I heard (about Daron) it really hit home. Part of the proceeds from this event will also go to the board.”
Hudson stressed that tickets are going fast but can still be purchased for $35 at the Carp Agricultural Society office or by calling 613-839-2172.
P.E.I. comedian Patrick Ledwell
Prince Edward Island comedian Patrick Ledwell will entertain guests of this year’s Men’s Night on April 21 at the Carp Agricultural Hall.
Ledwell, who has appeared in the Halifax Comedy Festival and several CBC Radio programs including The Debaters, is known for his stand-up comedy acts which draws upon his experiences growing up on the island in a large family.
The annual Men’s Night will kick off with cocktails at 6 p.m. and will also feature a roast beef dinner.
Tickets are $20 and are available through the Carp Agricultural Society office.
“This is a fun social evening with some light-hearted entertainment,” says Armstrong.
“There is also plenty of socializing afterward with people in the community. This event is usually sold out.”
The society urges the public not to miss these upcoming events at the Carp Fairgrounds:
• Carp Agricultural Society Euchre series will wrap up on Saturday, April 16 at the agricultural hall. With a start time of 1 p.m., the day will feature a light lunch and will end the season at 11 p.m. Tickets cost $20 per person.
• The Carp Farmer’s Market will resume every Saturday beginning Mother’s Day Weekend.
• As a tradition for more than 50 years, Drive-In Bingo will return to the fairgrounds this July. Bring your family each Wednesday evening at 8 p.m. for a fun night under the stars with many cash prizes in store!
• The annual Garlic Festival returns on the weekend of Aug. 13.
• Planning for the 148th annual Carp Fair is in motion. Several acts have already been booked for the week of Sept. 22, including four-time Juno Award winner Gord Bamford, who is also nominated for male vocalist of the year at the 2011 Canadian Country Music Awards.
Other highlights will include performances from rock band The Stampeders, the High Dive Acrobatic Show and several new midway rides.