Colin and Trish Neilson receive Bill Gibson Award from RRFA

By Jack Elliott
Correspondent

Highlight of the Rainy River Federation of Agriculture Annual Spring Dinner and Dance in Stratton Friday, May 8 was the presentation of the Bill Gibson award.
Recipients honoured this year were Trish and Colin Neilson. In memory of past president of the RRFA, the late Bill Gibson, this annual award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the agricultural community in the Rainy River District through their volunteer efforts. Trish is well known across the District and indeed across Ontario from her time at the helm of the Rainy River Future Development Corporation during its earlier years and more recently as a stint as president of the Rainy River Federation of Agriculture. Colin, a native of the area was the original manager of a program called CropChek North that has since morphed into the Emo Agricultural Research Station The couple and their family currently run a farming and forestry operation north of Stratton.
Attendance of approximately 70 included MPP Howard Hampton and MP John Rafferty. A humourous quiz show spoof, Politicians vs. Farmers was moderated by Rick Neilsen. Although crowd support appeared to favour the farmers there was no denying Hampton particularly was in top form with his rendition of a partridge drumming. His left wing, ‘the only one that works,’ according to Hampton, provided most of the effort. Hampton also quipped he was the most effective in reducing his ‘carbon footprint’ by giving the same speech over and over.
Dick Trivers who is the District’s lead for Ministry of Agriculture on Environmental Farm Plans hinted there would soon be a major announcement in that area pending completion of funding agreements between the two senior levels of government. More news is expected in early June.
Numerous door prizes thrilled the guests, with the added feature of a fundraiser for ‘a Kidney for Sidney’, which raised several hundred dollars in support of a kidney transplant for the Gillon family’ daughter. This continues a tradition the RRFA has of supporting worthy community causes
The dinner itself was of course, exceptional. Entertainment following the meal was provided by area band, Highway 621. The Rainy River Federation of Agriculture has been a driving force in the District’s agricultural community for over 35 years.