The general consensus from yesterday's celebration of the Dauphin Ag Society's 125th anniversary seems to be that it was a huge success.
Hundreds came out for Farm Outlook, and took part in a full day of presentations, and a banquet in the evening.
Ag Society General Director Tere Stykalo says he was amazed by the support they received.
"That means a lot. That shows the significance of this organization in the community and the impact that it makes. It's certainly nice that the community comes out to support us when we ask for that support."
Bruno Wiskel was the keynote speaker at the banquet. He is a farmer from Northern Alberta who has made a career out of thinking outside of the box and turning bad situations into good ones. He says he felt honoured to be part of such a huge moment.
"I was aware that it was 125 years, but when they put it into perspective that they started in 1891 before Dauphin was even a town, it was truly amazing."
Also in attendance was Ron Kostyshyn, Manitoba's Agriculture Minister. The Swan River MLA says it is amazing to think that the group started so long ago.
"To say that the people 125 years ago had the vision of an ag society is truly a great celebration. The other thing that is very important is the people who volunteer their times, starting 125 years ago, and it goes on today. Those people never get enough recognition in my opinion."
Earlier in the day, Don Tarrant was awarded the Ron Brook Memorial Award, which recognizes those who make lifelong contributions to agriculture. Tarrant says he was surprised to win the award, but also felt honoured, as it is the same award his father won about 15 years ago.
Stykalo says Farm Outlook was just the beginning of the 125th anniversary celebration. This year, the Ag Society will put on the Dauphin Fair, which Stykalo says will have a bigger and better demo rodeo. Later in the summer, the Dauphin Ag Society will be the host to the famous RCMP Musical Ride.
