News Leader News
PXA TAKES A LOOK AT FUTURE
The arrival of an insurance bill sparked a discussion among members of Princeton Exhibition Association. The bill, amounting to $2,600, was another increase in the cost of providing minimum basic coverage for the grounds, but for none of the special events which take place on the grounds. The Town of Princeton's municipal insurance covers the buildings, but none of the special events.
Members noted that groups putting on events pay thousands of dollars for event coverage. Members tried looking at ways in which they could buy blanket coverage or come under the municipal insurance. They did not come to any conclusions.
The Town gives the PXA a $3,000 grant each year which is supposed to cover the cost of insurance and maintenance. Thanks to people renting the grounds and barn space, the PXA is able to cover the cost of maintenance, as little grant money remains after the insurance is paid.
Discussion turned to PXA achievements for the past year, and plans for the future. Representatives of user groups will put together a combined package after this year's annual general meetings, and make a presentation to Town Council with the PXA to show the value of the grounds to the community, and express plans for the future.
Motorsports members had some concerns about rumours they heard that the Fall Fair does not want Motorsports Association in the PXA. This notion was quickly dispelled. Fall Fair wishes to reduce Motorsports participation in the fair this year to allow time for the Jim Lind Memorial Team Roping event. President Jody Woodford explained that this event is important to the Rodeo Club and will help bring in funds to that club to repair some fencing around the rodeo arena. The Motorsports group was pleased to learn they are still welcomed as part of the fair, and will organize the demolition derby.
Motorsports President Vern Preston advised the PXA that out of town dune buggy and tough truck contestants are hoping to come to Princeton for an event in the fall. Dates available in September are the 17 and 18, or Motorsports could look at October 1 and 2. They will get back to the PXA with a firm date. Motorsports has book the weekend of September 25 for Moto-X.
Racing Days members received a vote of congratulations for their success in reviving horse racing in Princeton. PXA members had nothing but praise for the Racing Days Association. President John Bey said there is seed money for next year, and commented on the excellent coverage of the races by the media, including a video showing the grounds and horses in Princeton. Gerri Swanson said she taped the show from television and would have it to show anyone interested.
Peter Ruoss outlined several maintenance jobs that need doing in the immediate future. He was urged to proceed.
The showers are finished except for a few small items, and have been used. The showers are coin operated.
New tenants are moving onto the trailer pad north of the ag barn, and will be a welcome addition to security on the grounds.
Gerry Vinthers and Pete Ruoss agreed there should be paving in the area designated for antique farm equipment. John Bey suggested other improvements to the building before the equipment is moved in and secured. President Woodford will make arrangements.
The meeting concluded with a lively discussion about attracting new members to the PXA and user groups. Some suggestions were made regarding a unified get-together for volunteers, and there will be further discussion on this in the future.
The next PXA meeting will be held at the fairgrounds office at 7:00 p.m. August 9.
ARTS/NOW BUILDS SURVEY
The 2010 Legacy Now Arts/Now committee met July 13 to complete the process of developing a community survey. The survey will discover what people think of as "art", how aware they are of what arts activities are available in the Princeton area, and what they feel is lacking in the arts and cultural environment of the area.
The draft survey warranted a lot of discussion, and a number of revisions were made.
The revised survey form will be presented to people not involved in the process of forming it, so the committee can discover whether the document yields the information sought.
The next meeting of the Arts/Now committee will be at the Skills Centre at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 27.
A number of committee members were absent at the last meeting, due to holidays and other obligations.
An assessment of community arts and cultural assets has been done, and several projects have been proposed.
The survey will be presented to the public in August and will help define the project the committee will submit to 2010 Legacy Now for funding.
NEWS LEADER CONTRIBUTES TO HARROWSMITH
Local ranchers Brad and June Hope and coalbed methane gas exploration are the subject of a one page feature article in the August issue of Harrowsmith Country Life magazine.The article, titled "What Lies Beneath" includes a photo taken by News Leader owner/publisher George Elliott.
"I got a call right out of the blue two months ago," Elliott says.
"I knew what the story was about and called the Hope's to arrange for a photo day. I think Harrowsmith was expected all sorts of destruction - which there wasn't - so I decided to emphasis the beauty of the valley in the photo. When I got to the Hope's house on Highway 3 we briefly discussed possible locations and Brad suggested taking a short drive out on their range land. I took about 40 photos under overcast skies and as we got ready to leave I spotted this weathered picnic table virtually next to where we parked. I got them to sit at it for a couple more photos knowing instantly that that was the shot."
Harrowsmith Editor Tom Cruickshank agreed picking it out of six different photos submitted.
Harrowsmith Country Life magazine, published monthly in Ontario, is available at a few locations in Princeton including Pharmasave.
