BARRHEAD – The County of Barrhead is set to host its inaugural Rural Lifestyle Expo, aiming to highlight the charm and vibrancy of rural living. This exciting event will take place in late April or early May, although officials are currently fine-tuning the exact date.
To kick things off, the county council approved $2,900 from its 2025 operational budget for the expo. The idea emerged from the county’s multi-year strategic plan, which emphasizes celebrating the rural lifestyle and its accomplishments. County manager Debbie Oyarzun mentioned that community feedback indicated a strong desire for more local events that resonate with residents, but with a cautious approach to spending.
Rural development director Dawn Fedorvich explained that the expo will be a day-long celebration featuring local services, attractions, and businesses within Barrhead. "Our goal is to showcase what life is like in our area and to educate people about the resources available to them," she said. The event will follow a tradeshow format, encouraging vendors from various sectors, including non-profits, retail, tourism, and agriculture, to participate for free. Presentations will cover topics such as FireSmart initiatives and rural crime prevention to engage and inform the public.
Historically, county events like the recent LIFT (Learn, Inspire, Focus) business conference have been well-received. That conference attracted over 100 companies and featured speakers like Keka DasGupta and Michelle Cederberg, who inspired attendees with fresh ideas to invigorate their businesses.
Fedorvich believes the Rural Lifestyle Expo will differ from the LIFT conference, which primarily catered to business owners. The expo aims to draw in the general public, offering a welcoming space for conversations about community life and resources. To enhance this aspect, the expo will coincide with the county’s annual appreciation dinner. By merging these events, the county hopes to revitalize the appreciation dinner while keeping costs in check.
However, timing has raised concerns among council members. Some suggested April 26, as early May could conflict with local agricultural events, like nonprofit highway cleanups. This challenge highlights the busy spring season for many residents involved in farming. Council discussions indicate that they might need to be flexible with scheduling in future years.
Overall, the County of Barrhead’s commitment to fostering community spirit through events like the Rural Lifestyle Expo demonstrates a proactive approach to engaging residents. It’s a chance for locals to come together, learn more about their county, and celebrate the unique aspects of rural life.
As interest in local events grows, evaluating public engagement may become essential for shaping future initiatives. A recent survey in rural communities across Canada found that around 75% of residents appreciate local events, seeing them as vital for community bonding and economic growth. This statistic underscores the importance of initiatives like the upcoming expo in reinforcing local identity and camaraderie.
For more insights on similar initiatives, you can check out this research study on community engagement trends.
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