Tough decisions face Olds Agricultural Society October 16, 2006

The one hundred and seventh edition of the Olds Fair & Rodeo held August 11-13, 2006 was reviewed recently at the general membership meeting of Olds Agricultural Society (OAS). Many successes were celebrated, in particular the reduction to a three-day event combined with the restructuring of the gate prices. OAS is especially proud of the financial support distributed to the community through the utilization of service organizations and other groups that provide the manpower necessary for the production of this major annual event. In 2006 the Olds Grizzlys, Divine Dance Academy, Eagle Hill Hall, Harmattan Community Center, Calico Capers, Olds Search and Rescue, Citizens on Patrol, Rural Crime Watch, Zella Community, Innislake Community, Olds & District Chamber of Commerce, BowInn 4-H Beef Club, Bowden Light Horse Club realized just under $25,000 in remuneration for their contributions. This dedication to community development and support is a year round commitment for OAS with their formal policy of purchasing all supplies and services locally when available.

Unfortunately, there are also some significant challenges facing the Olds Fair & Rodeo, principally from the financial and volunteer recruitment perspectives. Losses for 2006 exceed $120,000, which is a situation that OAS is averse to leave unchecked. Although weather has been a contributing factor in both 2005 and 2006, a comparative analysis of the past nine years reveals consistent losses ranging from $170,000 in 1999 to $91,000 in 2003.

The breakdown of 2006 figures reveals that gate receipts of $70,000 and sponsorship procurement of $56,000, of which $27,000 is locally generated, results in $126,000 in revenues. The major local contributors include 97.7, Trackside, Olds Value Drug Mart, Mountain View Credit Union, Richardson Brothers, B&M Home Hardware, Netook Construction, Parkland Pipeline, Olds College, Imperial Oil, Olds Dodge, Flint Field Services, Unifeed, UFA and Olds Auction Mart. Apache Canada is the single largest sponsor annually. "Without the generous commitment to the Olds Fair & Rodeo from these progressive and community oriented businesses, Olds Fair & Rodeo could not survive," states general manager, Tami Gardner. "The challenge facing OAS is to persuade many more of the local business community of the value of the Olds Fair & Rodeo."

The net expense side of the Fair ledger for the various sections includes $60,000 in entertainment, $80,000 for a professional rodeo, $45,000 for the livestock shows, $16,000 for the horticulture & creative arts displays, $6500 for the beer gardens, $16,000 for advertising and promotion, $25,000 for casual labor and other administrative expenses. Total expenditures of $248,500 less the $126,000 in revenues have resulted in the loss of $120,000 that is now facing members of OAS.

Another tremendous challenge facing all Fair committees is the scarcity of volunteers. In spite of concerns regarding spending, many committees have been forced to hire casual labor to perform tasks usually handled by volunteers. Olds Fair & Rodeo depends upon support from the community from both a financial and a volunteer perspective. Please contact OAS if you have any suggestions for the challenging decisions facing this dedicated group of community stewards.