WHITEWATER REGION — (Beachburg) — The bright lights and mezmorising magic of carnival sights and sounds will soon be upon beautiful Beachburg! All of your familiar favorites will be returning with some exciting new additions! Events and entertainment for all ages create so many opportunities for fun with family and friends. Get ready for a new midway, great fun, and awesome entertainment at this year’s Beachburg Fair – Friday July 28th, Saturday July 29th, and Sunday July 30th 2017.
The Beachburg Fair has been an annual event in the community and surrounding area of Beachburg since its conception in 1857. The first fair was held in the hotel of David Beach, the founder of Beachburg. In 1867 the MP at the time, John Supple, was instrumental in getting the government to establish a county fair in Beachburg hence the name became “North Renfrew Agricultural Society”. Recently the name was changed to “Beachburg Agricultural Society” to avoid confusion with the Renfrew Fair. Subsequent fairs were held in the town until land was purchased about 1878 from David Beach’s son, Joseph, and the buildings were gradually built where the present fair grounds are now located. Over the years some of the buildings were destroyed by fire but the directors of the day worked together to rebuild and keep the fair going. As we look back through history, it is clear the impact the Beachburg Fair has had on agriculture within our community.
A volunteer Board of Directors and Executive work tirelessly throughout the year in preparation for the upcoming season’s fair.
It is important to recognize their passion and dedication for without them the fair would never have grown into what it is today. We are also grateful for all our wonderful business sponsors and private community donations. These contributions are vital to our success and recognized at our invitation only VIP Reception held in honour of local dignitaries and the fair’s biggest supporters.
The historical Heritage Hall built in 1931, has gone through a facelift inside and out. It hosts the best of the best in homecraft exhibits fair weekend and whether you’re a fellow exhibitor or an admiring viewer, you’re sure to be impressed by the raw talent. Stop by when its open to the public Friday 4pm – 10pm, Saturday 10am – 10pm, and Sunday 10am – 430pm. As a popular location for rental events throughout the year, it has also become a valley favorite for those smitten with rustic charm!
Ever wonder where your milk comes from? Take in the dairy show Friday starting at 10am and find out. Here, competitors of all ages will dress to impress and show the finest points of their livestock. The excitement of coming to the fair to see who will get a ribbon continues!
Introducing our new midway! World’s Finest Shows prides itself on the quality of its amusement presentation, the appearance, safety, and selection of rides in addition to its variety of games and food trailers offering many excellent choices for patrons. A provider of outdoor amusement entertainment in Ontario at various fairs, festivals, and exhibitions, they bring with them a dynamic team that strive to elevate your midway experience by creating world-class fun through a wide variety of rides for all ages and tastes from the pleasure rider to the thrill seeker! The midway will be operating Friday Noon – 11pm, Saturday 10am – 11pm, and Sunday 10am – 6pm. We cannot wait!
Take a tour around the grounds and sample a new sweet surprise or a familiar tasty treat! Or if you prefer to shop, we’ve got options for that too! With such a range of outdoor concessions and vendors, there’s sure to be something for everyone!
The Kids Korner is the place to be if you’re young and want to have fun! Balloon animals, bouncy castle, bubbles, face painting, a petting zoo, playground and pony rides! This area is sure to provide endless entertainment for children and a spot for parents to relax and watch them play at no additional cost. Join in on the action Friday 2pm – 7pm, Saturday 10am – 7pm, and Sunday 10am – 5pm.
When it comes to fair food, there is always a variety of classic BBQ favorites to be found at the Beachburg Agricultural Society run Food Booth. A must have is our long-time favorite ‘all beef hamburger’! Your choice smothered in onions and gravy or not, it always hits the spot! They’re open Friday 4pm – 10pm, Saturday 10am – 10pm, and Sunday 10am – 4pm.
The Opening Ceremony is the official start to the fair and kicks off Friday at 6pm with a warm welcome and the crowning of Little Mr. and Miss Beachburg Fair. This year special guests Little Mr. and Miss’ from the past will join us in ‘Celebrating 160 Years of Tradition’.
A big crowd draw and popular valley pastime, the Demolition Derby is always a smashing, crashing good time. Heats of small cars, large cars, or vans will take turns trying to outlast each other in the ball diamond until the bitter end, Friday beginning at 7pm.
If musical entertainment is your thing, you’re in the right spot. We’ve got a full line-up of valley talent to keep your toes tapping all weekend long playing in the Bavarian Gardens! Friday dance the night away with VSM Entertainment’s DJ Paul. Saturday the party starts early afternoon with Matt Haycock’s tunes, followed in the evening by OffRoad, and continues all night long with The Ghost Town Cryers. And Sunday is wrapped up by Young Country with Joey Vaillancourt.
Join us in the Bavarian Gardens for the Buck-a-Roo-Breakfast from 730am until the food runs out. We’re serving up a hearty farmer’s plate to start your day with eggs, sausage, homefries, toast and your choice of tea, coffee, or juice. For $8/plate, get it before it’s all gone!
If you have a four-wheeler or side-by-side and want to get out and ride – the ATV Poker Run is for you! Registration is Saturday morning between 8am – 9am, and the run follows at 915am. Taking you on a scenic tour through whitewater country, the cost is an admission ticket $20 in advance or $25 day of. When you sign up you’ll get dealt a hand, but have the option to buy others for $5 each if you don’t think it’s a winner.
Check out all the great indoor vendors! The Beachburg Marketplace located in the arena is open Saturday and Sunday 10am – 5pm, and showcases local and area artisans, small businesses and service groups. You’ll find a bit of everything including sparkle tattoos, local pottery, jewelry, soaps and much more from Renfrew County. New this year – if you visit each booth, meet the vendor, and fill in a vendor card, it will be entered into draw to win a donated door prize.
The Pembroke Lumber Kings are looking for new and local entertainment for intermission shows for 2017/18 Season. Bring your own music and share your talent on stage in this local singing competition for all ages and all categories solo – duet – large or small groups. Anthem Auditions takes place Saturday 1030am – 130pm at Neil’s Stage just inside the walker’s gate entrance.
Local dance studios and performers share their talents on the stage in a dance event and competition being held on Neil’s Stage Saturday at 11am. Dancers will share a variety of dance genres including jazz, hip hop and highland dancing, and do not have to be part of a dance studio. They can compete to win prizes like Dance Attack Workshops sponsored by Kent McCord or a mini photo session including hair and makeup from local business B and R Photography and Design.
One of the highlights of our fair is the Beef Show with the quality and caliber of animals being exhibited only getting better every year! The Royal Winter Fair holds the largest beef show in Ontario every year with exhibitors from across Canada and the United States all competing to have the Champion Male and Female within their breed. Masterfeeds became a major sponsor of the Royal Winter Fair’s Beef show and introduced the Masterfeeds Supreme Show. Up until now this show has only ever included the six breed champions from the Royal Fair but new in 2017 they have opened their doors to seven qualifying shows across Ontario and Quebec to become the Supreme Champion! Beachburg Fair’s name was brought to the table by the organizing committee as being one of the top beef shows in Eastern Ontario and has been the talk around the show circuit for the last 10 years. It was one of first fairs in Ontario to offer the Supreme Male and Female, and with the support of our local sponsors we are able to offer a $1,000 cheque to both of these winners. The Masterfeeds Supreme Show will be held during the first weekend of the Royal Winter Fair in November. Be sure and check out who will be Champion this year when the competition begins Saturday at noon in the showdome.
If your pet pal is the fluffiest, shaggiest, most talented or stylish, then you want to be in the Kids Korner at 1pm for the Pet Show! Any animals participating must be leashed or crated until the event starts and then promptly leave the fairgrounds once it has finished to comply with our service animal only policy.
Whether you’re catching up with old pals, strengthening acquaintances, or sparking up a new friendship, be sure to stop by our Garden Party and say Hi! This Meet and Greet is happening Saturday 1 to 3pm at Neil’s Stage. Local musicians entertain while you enjoy fellowship, refreshments, and snacks.
Hold onto your hats for some bone jarring bareback riding, steer wrestling, bull riding and more exciting rodeo events. That’s right, its time to dust off your cowboy boots and hats, the RAM Rodeo Wild West Show is back in town with performances Saturday at 2pm and Sunday at 1pm. Its their 20th anniversary year, and the show is sure to be epic!
Are you looking for a truly delicious home cooked meal? Saturday from 4pm – 6pm the Dining Hall is serving mouth watering smoky roasted pork tenderloin and all the trimmings of farm fresh produce. And don’t forget to save room for a slice of home style pie. All for $12/serving.
The Beachburg Pentecostal Tabernacle will be hosting an Open Air Church Service on Sunday morning at 930am by Neil’s Stage. Join them for this unique worship experience.
The age-old competition of horse drawing still holds a spot in our line-up Sunday morning at 930am. This classic competition where draft horses in harness pull a weighted sled and the winner is the team that can pull the most weight for a short distance. Neigh!
I scream! You scream! We all scream for ice cream! And there will be cupcakes too! What a better way to celebrate 160 years of Beachburg’s Heritage than having a big birthday bash! Stop by Neil’s Stage Sunday from 1 – 3pm to share in the excitement. A Princess and Spiderman will be there too for pictures and more fun!
You haven’t taken in the whole Beachburg Fair until you’ve tasted our rustic outdoor chicken barbecue. Enjoy our succulent ¼ chicken dinner for $10 or ½ chicken dinner for $15 with our special seasoning and all the fixings served at the Dining Hall from 1:30 to 5 p.m.
We are pleased to offer pay-one-price admission again this year which includes admittance to the fairgrounds, use of the midway, and access to all of the ongoing entertainment. Advance tickets are $20 each and can be purchased until Wednesday July 26th at the following local businesses: Beachburg Deli & Bakery–Beachburg, Kenny’s Store–Westmeath, M&R Feeds–Pembroke, Olmstead’s Home Hardware-Cobden, Saar’s Store–Rankin, and Scotiabank–Beachburg and Heritage Hall Mondays in July at 7pm. Online sales at www.beachburgfair.com, and through Facebook ‘Beachburg Fair’ will close Thursday July 28th. Any tickets bought at the gate during fair weekend will be at a cost of $25 each. For more information and to view the detailed events schedule, visit our Facebook page or website. We have two entrances to access the fairgrounds:
Stewart street – walking entrance and Caroline street – driving entrance. Please be advised, only those with a valid handicapped sticker/event trucks and trailers/fair vendors with parking passes will have access to parking on site; all other vehicles must use street parking. Also note that only service animals are permitted on the fairgrounds to ensure the safety of our guests and livestock.
People have come to the Beachburg Fair for 160 years for many different reasons; from competitions, to reunions with family and friends, and for good homegrown fun. The tradition continues – See you at the Fair!
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