Every year, the Spencerville Fair welcomes thousands of visitors through its gates. This year’s exhibition will be no different, as friends and families gather to celebrate the fair’s 150th anniversary. The crowds will bring them their usual enthusiasm and exuberance to Grenville County’s only agricultural fair. However, only one individual will be able to say that he is bringing with him his own police escort and vice-regal standard.
On Friday, September 9, the Spencerville Agricultural Society has the pleasure of receiving the Honourable James K. Bartleman, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. Appointed in March 2002, he is the province’s 41st vice-regal representative since John Graves Simcoe arrived in Upper Canada in 1792.
Prior to his appointment as Ontario’s Lieutenant Governor, Mr. Bartleman had a distinguished career of more than 35 years in the Canadian Foreign Service. Over the years, he has served as Canada’s Ambassador to the European Union (2000-2002) and High Commissioner to Australia (1999-2000) and South Africa (1998-1999). From 1994 to 1998, Mr. Bartleman served as Prime Minister Jean Chretien’s Foreign Policy Advisor and Assistant Secretary to Foreign and Defence Policy, Privy Council Office. He has also served his country as Ambassador to the North Atlantic Council of NATO (1990-1994), Ambassador to Israel and High Commissioner to Cyprus (1986-1990), and Ambassador to Cuba (1981-1983).
It is with great pleasure that the Spencerville Agricultural Society welcomes the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario as an esteemed guest of their 150th anniversary fair. “Our celebrations will be made even more special with His Honour’s visit,” reports Mr. Marc Tessier, Chairperson of the 150th Anniversary Committee. The visit of the Honourable James K. Bartleman will mark only the second time a Lieutenant Governor has graced the Spencerville fair grounds in its 150-year history. The Honourable Lincoln M. Alexander captivated fairgoers with his quiet grace and easy demeanor when he opened the 1991 fair.
His Honour is expected to arrive at 11:00a.m. During his hour-long visit, his vice-regal standard will proudly fly from the centre pole outside of the Drummond Building. Members of the Prescott Air Cadets will have the honour of both raising and lowering the flag.
Upon his arrival, the Lieutenant Governor will tour the Barn of Learning to take in the display of fair memorabilia. Pioneer craftsmen will equally be on hand practicing their various trades. At 11:25 a.m., His Honour will make his way to the Edwardsburgh Community Centre to address the assembled elementary school children. Miss Emily Westbrook will lead those present in the singing of our national anthem. Following a brief question period, the Lieutenant Governor and his entourage will then proceed to the Spencerville Mill for a commemorative tree planting and a tour of the 150 Pictures from Our Past Heritage Photo Gallery.
Prior to his departure from Spencerville, the Lieutenant Governor will partake of a country harvest luncheon, consisting of local produce, at the home of Mr. Doug Hall. Her Worship Peggy Taylor, Mayor of the Township of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal, along with representatives from both the Spencerville Agricultural Society and the Spencerville Mill Foundation, will join the His Honour at the luncheon table.
Fairgoers are most welcomed to sit in on His Honour’s public address in Edwardsburgh Community Centre on Friday, September 9, at 11:30a.m. The Spencerville Agricultural Society and the Spencerville Mill Foundation hope the community will come out to welcome the Honourable James K. Bartleman, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, as he offers his extends his greetings to everyone celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Spencerville Fair.
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