Community rallies around Burford hall project

BURFORD - Plans to construct a new community hall at the Burford fairgrounds are bringing together residents.

"The community has really rallied behind this," Teresa Jones, a director of the Burford Agricultural Society and Fairgrounds, said Sunday at a free family fun day event.

"All week, people have been coming by the fairgrounds to see what's happening and they've all been very supportive

"This is something the community needs and wants. And, for those of us on the board of directors, the support is important because it validates what we've been doing."

She made the comments as about 3,000 people - mostly families - wandered about the fairgrounds taking in the sights and sounds on Sunday. Although the event was free, people could donate to the hall project. About $12,000 was raised, said Jones, noting that more donations were promised.

Sponsored by Cathcart Auto Parts, the event included monster trucks and trick riders, as well as displays featuring the Burford Tractor Club and Ohsweken Speedway.

"The people from Cathcart Auto have been terrific," Jones said. "This is something they wanted to do and we've received a lot of support from a lot of other people and organizations as well.

"Everyone seems to realize the importance of a new hall to the community and everyone wants to be a part of it."

The agricultural society has been part of the community since 1858.

The previous pavilion, built in 1950, required extensive upgrades to meet provincial standards. It was torn down last week. Construction of the new hall is expected to begin next week

Plans call for new hall to be completed in time for the Burford fall fair, which takes place on the Thanksgiving weekend.

The hall has been a big part of the community, said Jones, adding that it is used by numerous community groups.

Last month, Brant County council supported providing a $50,000 loan to help get the project off the ground. Plans call for the construction of a new 7,000-square-foot building for $700,000. As of last month, pledges of about $500,000 in cash and in-kind assistance had come in.

vincent.ball@sunmedia.ca

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Source: http://www.brantfordexpositor.ca/2013/07/21/family-fun-day-in-burford-draws-3000

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