Kathy Cleaver, Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba Board of Directors Vice President, is the 2020 recipient of the CAFE Roll of Honour.
In a news release, the Provincial Exhibition says Kathy was added to the list of nationally recognized volunteers and leaders in the fair and exhibition industry at a virtual gala on November 12th.
Having joined in 2005, Cleaver has a record of outstanding years of service within the organization and has held multiple executive roles, including President and Past President. In addition to her executive duties, she holds the position of Chair of the Horse Committee for the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair, represents the Provincial Exhibition on the Keystone Centre Board of Directors, and was one of the guiding forces behind the “Restore the Glory” campaign that revitalized the historic “Dome Building”.
Canadian Association of Fairs and Exhibitions’ Executive Director, Christina Franc, had this to say about Cleaver’s selection: “Kathy joins a prestigious group recognized for their significant contribution to our industry and we are happy to join everyone in congratulating her.”
Established in 1979, the Roll of Honour is a distinguished award recognizing and celebrating exemplary service by an individual or organization to the Canadian fair and exhibition industry. According to CAFE’s website, the ideal candidate provides outstanding leadership, vision, service, and should make an impact beyond their local community.
In her nomination video, Cleaver expressed a mix of gratitude and pride in her efforts on behalf of the Provincial Exhibition. She discussed how her love of horses, having once been a barrel racer, as well as agriculture, have shaped her life. Furthermore, Cleaver emphasized the joy she has received through her years of volunteering and working with younger generations, specifically in how their energy and ideas have been a constant motivation.
“The greatest accomplishment, in my mind, is in the young people and new Directors that I have encouraged and supported through the years…I am so proud of the young women and men that are carrying on these traditions. I hope that the new generations will look at my efforts and be a little inspired. One thing I am absolutely sure of is that their resilience and innovation will carry us through the difficult times we’re experiencing right now.”
Kathy Cleaver will be acknowledged at CAFE’s Annual General Meeting as well as online. She will also have her name added to the national Roll of Honour plaque, which resides in Brandon’s own Display Building No. II, home of the Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba.
