The economic impact of a small fair that attracts several hundred people is huge for rural communities, Fletcher said, adding that a stronger partnership with deeper lines of communication between communities, economic development officers, local natural resource departments and the rural municipalities is needed to create an operating body that is now necessary for survival. Kelwood Agricultural Society representative Duane Stuart was awarded an honorary lifetime membership to MAAS during the conference, and as an avid rural fair supporter, he said listening to the youth and being open to fresh ideas will be part of the solution.

Economic impact
Conferences