2025 Community Appreciation Award
This year, 2025, the Comber Agricultural Society is recognizing Remi Gagnier for his many years of volunteering to help to make the Comber Fair the memorable event it has become.
Remi has lived his entire life on a farm north of Comber on the Fifth Concession. Not only did he operate the family farm but he also ran a mechanical business repairing equipment for other local farmers. While working for Tom Mosey who operated a local farm equipment dealership and repair shop, Remi brought machinery to be displayed on the fairgrounds for the duration of the fair.
When he later worked for Yurke Sales and Service, another Comber equipment dealership and repair shop, he continued to deliver the latest machinery to the fairgrounds for viewing by attendees. In addition, he participated in the parade showcasing various machinery. He drove a bobcat for the Demolition Derby helping the organizers and their other volunteers to run a smooth event. He helped with maintaining the quality appearance of the fairgrounds for all to enjoy.
Over thirty years ago when it was decided that Comber was going to build a Community Centre on the fairgrounds Remi volunteered to help. There was an old army barrack style structure on the fairgrounds that needed to be torn down. Remi came with his bulldozer and along with a few other Comber farmers demolished and removed the old building clearing a space for the construction of the new Community Centre. The Comber Agricultural Society uses this building for displays during fair time.
Remi never hesitated to offer a helping hand whenever called upon. He was always only a telephone call away. As a result, he received a certificate of appreciation in 2010 and 2012.
Remi’s memorable moments of the Comber Fair include watching the live entertainment, listening to the music and cheering the Demolition Derby.
Remi feels everyone is doing a great job keeping the grounds in wonderful shape and maintaining the pavilion. He says it’s great to have the Comber Fair every year