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The week of our annual outreach event for our community is finally here. The promotions are out, volunteers are scheduled, community partners are secured and entertainers are booked. Community Open House happens rain or shine. While we ‘know’ it will be a lovely day for weather, just in case… If you do move an attraction or exhibit due to rain, please make sure you put up some signage for breadcrumbs from the ‘good weather’ site to the new location. This will minimize frustration for our many visitors. Otherwise, it’s rain slickers and boots all around!

A big shout-out to all those who make this event possible, and you know who you are:

• Dedicated committee members who have organized their units and departments beautifully and built enthusiasm across campus for the event. That energy is what keeps us all working at it;
• Facilities Management who take the term ‘family’ to heart and put their shoulders to the wheel for us. Their work is the glue that holds the event together;
• Exhibitors and attraction coordinators who spend their valuable time creating unique and educational experiences for our community members. This is how we are able to show the community all the good we do;
• Grounds who make sure campus is ‘tickety-boo’ for our many visitors (that one’s for you, Bernie!). So much of an experience on our campus depends on the aesthetic of the campus itself;
• Department and unit heads who encourage their people to showcase their work and volunteer for the event. When people are given a chance to engage, we see the best of their efforts.

Community Open House is a great example of the special culture we’ve built together in the Faculty of Agriculture. And many colleagues from other parts of Dal have jumped onboard to be part of this special endeavor. Good luck to all on Thursday, as if you need it!