The Castor and District Agricultural Society held their annual general meeting on Jan. 17, 2022.
Despite the continuing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the society’s funds, according to treasurer Larry Weber 2021 could have been worse on the organization.
Revenue for 2021 was actually just over $6,000 higher than anticipated, and overall the society ran around a $5,000 deficit in 2021.
While most of the subcommittees running under the society lost money in 2021, the Castor Rodeo, which ran a one-day rodeo in June, actually succeeded in making more than it cost operate.
“Rodeos don’t usually make money,” said Weber.
According to Weber, even though the income for the society has been greatly reduced due to the pandemic bills still have been paid and the outstanding balance on the Castor Community Hall sits around $30,000.
As part of their fundraising efforts, the society has been informed they will soon be able to participate in a casino fundraiser, provided COVID restrictions do not derail those plans.
Some concern members of the society had about the 2022 budget focus on rising insurance costs.
“All insurance costs are going up,” said society president Tony Nichols.
Also discussed during the meeting were Agricultural Society membership fees, which are remaining at $2.
Diana Boxma attended the meeting, presenting to the society on behalf of the board looking to reestablish Castor’s Winter Fest.
Currently, given the short timelines, the plan is hold a small Winter Fest event on Feb. 12, something which most agricultural society members seemed supportive of.
Ultimately, the society motioned to support the Winter Fest event with a $500 donation to help offset insurance costs.
The next Castor Agricultural Society Annual General Meeting, which is open to the public, is set for Jan. 16, 2023.