Page 2 - Salute to Agriculture

B2 WESTMAN THIS WEEK THE BRANDON SUN n THURSDAY MARCH 25 2021
n
Provincial Ex planning fundraisers

BY TYLER CLARKE
One year into the pandem-
ic, community support has
allowed the Provincial Exhibi-
tion of Manitoba to persevere.
That’s despite the past year’s
worth — and running — of
major events being cancelled.
“We’d be telling a different
story without that support, for
sure,” chair Greg Crisanti said.
“We still have a good mara-
thon to go before we are out of
our worry stage, but definitely
moving forward to the new
normal.”
Around this time, the Royal
Manitoba Winter Fair would
normally be taking place, but
the COVID-19 pandemic has
again forced the cancellation
of this flagship annual event.
Looking forward to the
Manitoba Summer Fair and
this autumn’s AgEx with cau-
tious optimism, Crisanti
points to health regulations
as the main determinant for
which form these events take.
It all depends on what’s al-
lowed.
“The moment we’re able to
put on events in person, we’ll
be ready to go cross that start
line,” he said, adding they’re
still planning to host some
incarnation of these future
events, as well as organizing
next year’s re-introduction to
the Royal Manitoba Winter
Fair after a two-year absence.
Alongside planning for
these uncertain events, the or-
ganization is hosting a num-
ber of fundraisers to keep
themselves in the financial
black.
Running a large operation Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba chair Greg Crisanti stands outside of the Dome Building. (Tyler Clarke/The Brandon Sun)
such as theirs is expensive,
even with minimal staff, with “just get us around the cor- in partnership with DeNardi/ • Love A Fair online auction • Planted in History — a tree display in the Dome Building.
status quo building and op- ner.” La Boutique. from 10 a.m. March 29 to 5 is purchased to be planted on With a dedicated board,
erating expenses estimated at Less than three months into • Meat Cute sales in partner- p.m. April 3, at charityauction. the Provincial Exhibition of staff and supportive commu-
$350,000. the year, Crisanti said they ship with To-le-do and Heri- bid/loveafair. Manitoba grounds. nity, Crisanti said he’s opti-
This, Crisanti said, is why were already approximately tage Co-op. • Your Name in Stone at • Personal pledges of bi- mistic looking forward to the
this year’s fundraising goal 25 per cent of the way toward • Safe the Fairs Donut Week the Dome, where people can weekly, monthly, quarterly, balance of 2021.
is $250,000 — a figure being earning the $100,000 required with Tim Hortons purchase a brick to have their annual or one-time dona- “We’ve seen some great
topped up with a matching to top out the Kinsmen’s • A #SaveTheFairs clothing name or their loved one’s tions, with options and details results so far,” he said. “The
pledge of up to $100,000 from matching pledge. line in partnership with Tri- name engraved along a stone coming in April. Provincial Exhibition will cer-
the Kinsmen Club of Winni- Fundraisers that fell under Star Screenprinting walkway at the Dome Build- • Community gifting via tainly be around for years to
peg. their “Love A Fair” campaign Ongoing efforts include: ing. corporate donations or per- come.”
“If we got to that $250,000, to already take place have in- • Sunrise Credit Union • Love a Fair online-only sonal pledges, which receive
we’ll be just fine,” Crisanti cluded: drive-thru breakfast from 8-10 50/50 raffle with a guaranteed additional recognition by way » tclarke@brandonsun.com
said, adding it’ll be enough to • Wine and food basket sales a.m. at the Dome Building. pot of $1,000 of social media and a digital » Twitter: @TylerClarkeMB

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