The Middlesex Agricultural Hall of Fame, founded in 2000, recognizes the history and tradition of agriculture in Middlesex County. The primary objective of the Agricultural Hall of Fame is to recognize those who have demonstrated unselfish achievements within the realm of agriculture and service to the rural community in Middlesex County and beyond. Each year inductees are honoured at a Hall of Fame Luncheon during the Western Fair Farm Show and this year representatives are happy to announce this year’s honourees are Alice Catherine Edwards, Dr. Clayton Switzer and Mr. Evan McGugan.
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Alice Catherine Edwards, born in 1860 in Lobo Township, is recognized for her lifetime of service and leadership for the betterment of rural women and their families. She was responsible for the initiation of several branches of the Women’s Institute in Middlesex County and was actively involved in the development of the Federated Women’s Institute of Ontario.
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Dr. Clayton Switzer was born in Caradoc Township. As deputy Minister of Agriculture from 1983 to 1989, he demonstrated his leadership qualities and made significant contributions to the agricultural community. A former professor at the University of Guelph and Dean of the Ontario Agricultural College, he has also served as president of the Ontario Institute of Agrologists and is an inductee of both the Canadian and Ontario Agricultural Halls of Fame.
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Evan McGugan, with the support of Agriculture Canada, spearheaded the Western Fair’s first-ever afternoon program of pari-mutuel harness racing. The following year, Western Fair raceway was established on May 17, 1961 with a 24 night harness racing program, a first for the province of Ontario. During his 43 year tenure with Western Fair, Evan McGugan made immeasurable contributions to the betterment of the racing industry, agricultural education and the rural community through his leadership skills, perception and creative foresight.
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The induction ceremony will be held in the Agriplex lobby at Western Fair on Wed. March 11th beginning at 11:30 a.m. For tickets or further information please contact Hugh Fletcher at (519) 666-1572.
