Caleb Nickerson
BRISTOL Dec. 8, 2017
On Dec. 8, a group of local farmers and their companions gathered at the Pine Lodge in Bristol for an annual “office party” of sorts.
Nancy Pirie was one of the organizers of the Farmers and Friends Christmas party and said that the event began as a way for the agricultural producers and their colleagues to get together and bring in the holidays.
“They used to have a really good turnout of all the companies that support farmers. We’re trying to get them back involved,” she said, explaining that many local businesses donate to the silent auction. “They give us door prizes and auction items but we want them to come. That’s why we say farmers and friends, we really want everybody to come.”

She explained that proceeds from the auction go to local bursaries for post-secondary agriculture programs, as well as the local food bank.
Nancy Dagenais, one of the early organizers of the party, estimated that it started 20 to 25 years ago, and is still going strong. Pirie said that she has been attending the parties for 20 years and was asked to help organize the event by Dagenais and her compatriots.
The entertainment for the evening was provided by the band Rhythm & Booze, out of Huntingdon, Qc.
“They’re two farmers, a carpenter and a chef and they’re from the Huntingdon, Howick area,” Pirie explained, adding that their front man met some local farmers through the fair circuit several years ago. “He was singing the whole time he was working, so you could tell he was a good singer.”