Years ago, when Mike Trimble’s wife Kim asked if he wanted to attend the Comox Valley Exhibition, he admitted she had to drag him there.
Years later, Trimble recently received the Canadian Fair Champion award from the Canadian Association of Fairs & Exhibition for his work in going the extra mile into growing CVEX and promoting agriculture to a wide audience.
“When I had the opportunity to grow the fair, I just jumped in,” he said.
Six years ago, Trimble, who owns Woofy’s Pet Foods with Kim, decided to get involved in the annual event by helping with the dog event.
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“There was a disconnect after (the previous fellow) dropped out, so I just picked it up and ran with it - I wanted the diving competition and now people are always asking for it. Spectators love it … and it’s very family-oriented.”
Trimble joined the board of CVEX and became a director five years ago, and quickly worked his way to becoming the organization’s president, a title which he’s held for the past three years.
His passion for the exhibition stems from spreading awareness and education about agriculture - something Trimble said is more important than ever before.
“There’s a stat that says by 2050, the food consumption in the world is going to double from 2020. We really need to get kids involved (in agriculture) because we can’t take advantage of what we have right now.”
Planning work begins for the next exhibition immediately once the event ends, added Trimble, who said the theme for next year’s event - set for Aug. 28, 29 and 30 2020 - is “looking forward, looking back.”
As for the award, Trimble admitted he’s “grateful and embarrassed” because he’s not the type who seeks recognition for what he did.
However, at the award ceremony in Halifax a few weeks ago, he did have the opportunity to meet a variety of people from fairs across the country to compare ideas and strategies.
“Everyone is looking for volunteers,” he added with a laugh.
For more information about the Comox Valley Exhibition or to volunteer for next year’s event, visit cvex.ca.
erin.haluschak@comoxvalleyrecord.com
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