“Royals Visit the Calgary Stampede” may have been the flashiest 2011 headline for Canadian Fairs, but fair organizers across Canada always treat fair attendees like royalty, so that was not really news. Are you ready for royal treatment when you visit local fall fairs?

If you’re considering a move to a small town or rural area, attending it’s fall fair is a must. Check out those in neighbouring communities, too, to fully understand the area’s range of benefits.

Exploding interest in locally-grown food has brought these celebrations of agricultural skills and products into the spotlight. Fairs are microcosms of the communities that create them. All ages contribute to share the work and fun:

• 4-H Clubs bring the kids in.

• Competitive exhibitions of livestock and husbandry challenge their parents and grandparents.

• Everyone enjoys getting close to the animals and eating home-made goodies.

You’ll gain genuine insight into what matters to those who live and work in the area, whether they are directly involved in agriculture or not. Listen to insider views on the community, the merits of one neighbourhood over another, and other valuable nuggets of local knowledge.

Whether this will become home-base for you or a summer refuge, the privilege of seeing a community come together in celebration of its agricultural heritage and its future pathways should not be undervalued. Meet area residents and learn their interests. You’ll also get a quick lesson on the environmental and political issues that residents are battling. There’ll be opportunities to meet local politicians, community leaders, and business owners. Your children may even strike up a friendship or two. Not bad for an afternoon—and the food’s terrific!

Track down local fairs through provincial exposition associations and government agricultural promotion sites, or check in with the Canadian Association of Fairs and Exhibitions (CAFE). Many fairs and exhibitions have their own websites. Don’t be shy about volunteering. “Many hands make light work” is the community reality.

THEN THERE’S THE BIGGIE...MAGIC IN THE FAIR. Mark your calendar for The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, the world's largest indoor agricultural and international equestrian competition. The Royal, which began in 1922, takes place November 4 to 13 at Ricoh Coliseum and the surrounding buildings at Exhibition Place in Toronto. From 4-H Club participation to the show-stopping Royal Horse Show, there is much to learn from the communities that mean agriculture in this country.

Attending The Royal will introduce you to rural and agricultural communities across Ontario and Canada, while revealing the agricultural roots of City of Toronto: from the St. Lawrence Market and numerous neighbourhood farmers’ markets to the Riverdale Farm, a working heritage farm in the centre of downtown-neighbourhood Cabbage Town. (Ironically, Riverdale Farm is under attack in the current round of municipal cuts, but citizens rally to protect it.)

The 4-H movement began in Roland, Manitoba in 1913 and is one of Canada’s longest running and most respected youth organizations. 4-H teaches Canadian youth to “Learn to Do by Doing.” More than 8,000 trained volunteer leaders help more than 26,000 4-H members develop confidence through hands-on learning on projects ranging from building a website and taking great photographs to caring for animals and much more.

Heroes Needed – 4-H Canada Wants Your Story announced CAFE this summer to promote the 4-H Canada campaign 4-H Heroes, created to support 100th-Anniversary Celebrations in 2013. 4-H Canada encourages members and leaders, past and present, to upload their 4-H stories, photos, and videos for publication as an online, interactive E-History, which will showcase the amazing contribution 4-H has made to Canada. By December 31, 2011, please submit content through the centennial anniversary website http://www.celebrate4h.ca or go directly to 4-H Canada: Sue Walker, Canadian 4-H Council 613-234-4448 ext. 28.

So, what does “4-H” stand for? In 4-H, members pledge Head, Heart, Hands, and Health to their club, community, and country. Not a bad motto to borrow for country living that is committed to sustainable communities—and fun. Get out and explore this fall.

Published: October 4, 2011

Use of this article without permission is a violation of federal copyright laws.

Futurist and Strategist PJ Wade is "The Catalyst" - intent on "Challenging The Best to Become Even Better." PJ earned this title by translating the dynamic impact of Boomers and their multi-generation families into relevant insights that start people thinking and taking action—in business and in life. Author of 8 books and more than 1800 published articles, PJ encourages individuals to become their own futurist. PJ writes and speaks about the insight, knowledge and solid decision-making skills that professionals and their clients need to live and work in this vortex of change. For instance, since PJ knows that home is headquarters for the new decades-long "unretirement," she wrote the popular book "Reverse Mortgages: Best Friend, Worst Enemy...Your Choice!", which is filled with suggestions and cautions on protecting, building and managing home equity. Her new business book, "What's Your Point?: Cut The Crap, Hit The Mark & Stick!" will be published in 2012. As The Catalyst, PJ provides strategic communication, client appreciation and advanced education services to the financial, tourism, lifestyle and service sectors - and the clients they serve. A frequently-quoted financial and business commentator, PJ is a thought-provoking strategic speaker who offers practical, real-life suggestions on leaving "the box" behind and embracing Forward Thinking - a talent she regularly demonstrates in this column. For more on keynotes, blogs, books and information on a range of 21st-Century topics, visit TheCatalyst.com.