Nothing is so momentous in our Community than our local country Fair. What a great opportunity to connect with old friends and make new ones! It almost seems like a “homecoming” event. Often families from far distances reunite with loved ones and friends. A few years ago a family of siblings from places like Florida, New Brunswick and Ottawa had planned their holidays to get together and meet old school buddies. A “Meet and Greet” organized by dedicated hometown citizens has provided a place to socialize with drinks and goodies. Local entertainment on the stage has been popular especially with the older citizens where they can sit under cover and enjoy conversation with visitors.
Front and foremost must be the Agricultural facet of country living. Classes for Dairy, Beef, and Sheep present an occasion for farmers to showcase their best examples for satisfaction and also prize money. The 4-H Club, which celebrated one hundred years in 2015, is a highlight for farm youth to hold their competition. Parents and grandparents are special spectators proudly watching the judging and showmanship classes as their young people attempt to practise knowledge of training their animals. We admire all the hard work preparing an animal for exhibition. They have learned the antics of an animal on the spur of the moment at any distraction. Displays of modern farm machinery attract older and young people who marvel at new inventions that dealers hope to convince them that they need for progressive fieldwork.
Children wait anxiously for Fair time every year. For one price they can enjoy all the rides in the midway. Family proudly watch their younger kiddies on smaller rides. Older students patiently line up waiting their turn on the popular ones. A supervised event is the pet show when children show their loving pets to compete for prizes in three classes with appearance, tricks, and behaviour. A costume parade of pets is the highlight. Of course parents watch with pride. A playground provides space for play on the apparatus during the fair.
Excellent displays in the Exhibit Hall show the talented work of our residents. There are so many things to see and do. The Arts and Crafts classes present beautiful samples of paintings, pictures, wreaths, woodwork and more. In the Homecraft section gorgeous quilts, knitting, crocheting, sewing and embroidery show such expertise. Take notice of the “Quilt of the Fair” which being the best continues on for Competition in the District. Viewers surely envy the quality and time spent on these excellent articles. Visitors occasionally borrow ideas from their observations. Such tasty-looking foods fill the culinary Arts display! It is interesting to know who deserved the prizes by the judge for best cooking. It is amazing to see that young children show interest by entering cookies and birthday cakes. What a great time in life to learn to bake! The Flower Show is awesome with the fragrance of beautiful flower specimens and exquisite floral arrangements. Unbelievable is the display of vegetables especially during a Fair in July. Local Women’s Institutes arrange articles in a display on a designated theme. Those older ladies have been so supportive of the local Fair for years. Our Junior Fair members make a fine array of their writing, crafts and artwork prepared for competition at the Fair. Of course families admire their deserving work attached with ribbons. Hosts of people especially ladies spend much time within the exhibits examining the fantastic entries while visiting. Children rush to the School Fair to find their ribbons. There is something for everyone to discover at the Exhibit Hall. Spend some quiet time reading imaginative poems and stories at the Creative Writing corner. Appreciate the skilled photography by the young and elderly in the Photography section.
On Sunday morning congregations gather at the annual outdoor Ecumenical Service conducted by a local minister. What a joy having everyone sing, worship and pray in a nature setting!
Most of all think about no need to prepare a meal or do dishes. The Food Booths send out their aroma of a variety of fast foods throughout the Fairgrounds. Help yourself to a juicy cheeseburger, poutine, chips, ice cream or beavertails. Workers at the dining hall provide scrumptious meals as well as a full course meal of BBQ chicken on Sunday afternoon. Who could not be beckoned toward the smell of smoke wafting over the grounds? Try to attend the amazing hearty Buck-a Roo breakfast early Saturday morning?
Make your way over to the Arena to browse the commercial displays at the Marketplace. You might buy a new piece of jewellery, some homemade greeting cards, clothing, Tupperware, visit information booths, or even consult a contractor to re-roof your house. Vendors are always ready to grab your attention. You may receive a free gift like a pen or gadget of some sort.
What would a Fair be like without entertainment? Music, “the universal language” is available at the Entertainment Stage daily and features a well-known group in the evenings. If you wish, the Bavarian Garden features more modern music while enjoying your favourite cold beverage and includes dancing during the evening. What a great place to sit out of the heat and visit with your buddies!
If action and excitement is your wish, there are several varied attractions at the Fair. Attend the Demolition Derby with cars crashing and loud noise. The Horse Drawing Competition draws an audience of usually men and farmers who show patience over the long haul until winners are declared. Watch the two adventures of Ram Rodeo, a Wild Western Show for thrills from bare backing riding, steer wrestling, bull riding and other exciting rodeo competitions.
With so many choices, the Country Fair grants people a multitude of opportunities to enjoy themselves. Young and old are sure to search out something to do over the three days. Have great experiences and fun at the Fair. There is something for everyone.
