At the 99th annual general meeting of the Weyburn Agricultural Society, plans for centennial celebrations in 2008 were the main focus of the evening. Newly elected president Raymond Wahl has been directing the 100th anniversary committee with lots of events planned for the celebration.

"We are always looking for volunteers, for the many events being planned," said Wahl. "We are also looking for additional sponsors for our centennial, to help this make a big year for everyone in Weyburn."

The 100th celebration will be kicked-off with a spring banquet on Monday, February 11, 2008, to honour all past presidents and secretaries. Tickets are to be sold for $20, with these being available at Superior Office and the Ag Society office.

"We need short stories of incidents surrounding our past presidents and secretaries to be used as they are being introduced," said Wahl.

The 100th Weyburn Fair will be held June 30, July 1 and July 2. To commemorate 100 years, the Ag Society has sent out letters to schools asking that a special centennial themed school work activity be included for judging at the fair.

Each day of the fair will also have a special theme. Monday is kiddies day, with ribbons being handed out to each child under the age of 12. Monday will also feature the parade during the afternoon and the opening ceremonies in the evening.

Tuesday will be dedicated to the 4-H clubs, with plans for special Canada Day and centennial fireworks in the evening, with the Ag Society working with the City of Weyburn on these. On the grandstand stage there will be a father-daughter hypnotist team, James Grant and Misty, performing that evening.

Wednesday will be Pioneer days, with the Country Women setting up a social in the Sports Arena from 1 to 4 p.m., and a threshing bee set for 4:30 p.m. The Miller Performing Arts Troupe has been planned for the evening performance on the grandstand stage.

During all three days there will be a slide show in the sports arena, pins will be handed out to all fair patrons, Dan the Balloon Man and Dan the One Man Band have been arranged to perform on the small stage, the junior and senior youth talent contest will be held again, Select Shows will be returning with midway rides and the Eastern Pony Chariot and Chuckwagon Association will be returning to hold the chuckwagon races.

During the election of officers, Wahl took over as president as Rick Bell officially completed his two-year term. Wendy Neiszner became first vice-president, Dave May became second vice-president, Treva Tollefson was elected as third vice-president and Sandy Bell stayed on as secretary.

In a review of the financial statements for the Ag Society by Cogent Business Consulting, the end of year income of $689,462 had increased from last year's amount, of $660,500. Revenues that increased significantly in the last year included midway receipts, $20,128 in 2007 from $19,201 in 2006; rodeo, $52,545 in 2007, up from $50,304 in 2006; grandstand fundraisers, $31,334 in 2007 from $5,809 in 2006; and building rent, $32,937 in 2007 from $28,711 in 2006.

There were some expenditures that also increased significantly in the last year, including entertainment cost of $15,479 in 2007, compared to $10,654 in 2006; the rodeo cost $45,003, compared to $40,788 in 2006; the ranch rodeo cost $5,007 in 2007, compared to $3,338 in 2006; and grandstand fundraising expenses were $8,938, compared t o $780 in 2006, this was mostly due to the RCMP Musical Ride being held which brought in a significant amount.

Past president Rick Bell spoke on the grandstand project. "The construction on the grandstand has been put on hold with $40,000 in the bank, as the last quote we received for the roof was at $100,000, citing larger than expected labour costs."

Bell commented that part of this labour cost comes from that the Ag Society wanted a wooden roof, with metal shingles, which meant that the workers would require a scaffold and safety equipment to attach the roof to the grandstand. "Currently we are getting a blueprint on a totally steel roof, that can be constructed from the ground and then placed on top with cranes. We are hoping this will cut costs so that the roof can be placed in 2008."

Altogether, this will make 2008 a very busy year for the Ag Society. Residents who wish to volunteer any assistance may contact the Ag Society office during normal business hours.