HARRISTON – This year celebrate family ties and homemade pies at the Harriston Minto Fair from Sept. 13 to 15.
Dating back to 1859, the roots of the Harriston Minto Agricultural Society run deep within the community.
The society’s flagship event is the Harriston Minto Fair, which runs on the third weekend of September annually.
This event is what started the society, and has been running for over 150 years.
The Harriston Minto Agricultural Society is formed by the members of the community, many of whom exhibit at the fair, and has a board of 18 directors, and an executive of six people.
In addition to running the fair each year, the agricultural society is active in the community to promote agriculture and community betterment.
More than one way to celebrate – The Harriston-Minto fair parade brings out the locals and individual creativity each year to help kick off a memorable tradition.
Advertiser file photos
Community contributions
This includes donating and volunteering for the Palmerston & District Hospital Foundation’s Annual Starlight Gala, supporting youth groups such as local 4-H programs, Wellington County Junior Farmers, our Harriston Minto Junior Directors, our Ambassador Program, and Norwell District Secondary School’s annual Relay for Life program, and supporting local groups during the fair weekend such as the Womans’ Institutes, Girl Guides and Brownies, Shrinners, Cancer Society, Minto Optimists, Harriston K-40 and Kinsmen, the Horticultural Society and the Minto Food Bank.
A portion of gate proceeds is contributed to the Town of Minto, and all proceeds from the annual Share the Wealth draw have historically been given to the Palmerston & District Hospital Foundation.
The fair provides an entertaining weekend for all ages and interests.
ADMISSION
Friday night: age 13+ $5 or membership card;
Saturday: age 13+ $5;
Sunday: age 13+ $10; and,
Weekend Pass: age 13+ $15.
Playland Wristbands: age 12 & under $10/day – includes admission. Age 13 + $10/day, Saturday day Sunday.
ARENA OPEN TO PUBLIC
Friday, 6 to 10:00pm, Saturday, 10am to 5pm, and Sunday, 10am to 7pm. Exhibit hall closes 2:45pm with pick up of exhibits 3:30pm
FRIDAY NIGHT
6pm – Exhibits: main arena and curling arena open,
6pm – Laser tag,
7pm – Fair opening main arena,
7:30pm – The Balloon Making Family Show,
8pm – Lawn mower races, silent auction, pie and pork auction, and,
8pm – 160th Reunion Pizza Night.
SATURDAY
9am – Light horse show,
10am – Exhibits open,
Noon – Ag. Awareness Building and Let’s Talk Science Open,
Noon – Inflatable Village Open,
Noon – Parade,
1pm – Dog Show,
1:30pm – Baby Show,
2pm – Horse Pull,
2 to 5pm: Beer Gardens,
8pm – Peter Irwin & the Memphis Rebels, Elvis Tribute (purchase tickets)
SUNDAY
8 to 10:00am – Breakfast,
9am to noon: Soapbox Derby,
9am – Antique vehicle show,
10am – Exhibits open,
10:30am – Church service,
11:am – Ag. Awareness, Building, inflatable village opens,
Noon to 5pm: Beer gardens,
12:30pm – All breed beef show, 4-H interclub beef show,
12:30pm – Pedal tractor pull,
2pm – Big Bale Rollout, scooter draw
2:15pm Demolition Derby
6pm – Silent auction ends,
4:30 to 6:30pm – Pork and beef barbecue.
