HARRISTON – The time of soapbox derbies and cattle shows has returned – and it’s Harriston’s time to shine.
The Harriston-Minto Fall Fair will run from Sept. 12 at 6pm until Sept. 14 at 7pm.
The schedule is packed with activities and shows for all family members to enjoy, with a “Kinda Korny’”theme.
“We brought back a couple things the children really enjoyed last year,” Harriston Minto Agricultural Society president Jackie Scholten told the Advertiser.
That includes the Meet the Keepers Animal Show and a foam party, both occurring on the Saturday afternoon.
“They are not the cute and cuddly ones, these are the spiders and snakes,” she said, referring to animals in the show.
Friday
The fair begins on Friday from 6 to 10pm, with an opening ceremony starting at 8pm at 111 George St. in Harriston.
The next day starts bright and early at 9am with a light horse show at the grand stands. The exhibit hall and fairgrounds open shortly thereafter at 10am.
New this year is a barbecue or smoked section, during which a gift certificate can be won for each of the five classes.
“We thought that might be an interesting idea because a lot of people have smokers,” Scholten said.
Saturday
Saturday will also include a baby show, petting zoo, horse pull, dog show, beer gardens and a children’s village.
“This year we’re not offering any entertainment after 6pm on the Saturday,” she explained.
During the day, local musician Bernie Hale will perform “and on Friday evening, before the opening ceremony, we’re having Chuck the ukulele guy and a couple of his friends entertaining us,” Scholten said.
The parade is to start at noon on Sept. 13, forming at Speare Seeds (99 John St. N) at 11am.
It will travel along Louise Street, then south on Elora Street and left on Young Street to finish at the Harriston-Minto Arena Complex.
Scholten noted it can be a struggle to fill out the parade due to the small community.
“I remember as a little girl it used to be 30 minutes to an hour long,” Scholten said.
Now it’s sometimes only 15 minutes.
Sunday
On the Sunday, guests can enjoy a breakfast at the auditorium before making their way to the “very well attended” soapbox derby on Main Street.
“It has really taken off … a lot of people take it very seriously,” she explained.
The derby begins at 9am, as does a car show located at the fairgrounds baseball diamond.
“We try to make it as interesting as we can for everybody,” she said.
The committee’s goal is to make the fair as entertaining as possible for the 13-and-under crowd.
Other Sunday events, include a pedal tractor pull, cattle show, lawnmower races and a beef and pork barbecue, are to occur between 12 and 6pm.
Another show, R and R Pet Paradise, is slated for 1pm at the baseball diamond.
“This year’s kids zone is going to have a little bit of restrictions on it,” she said. “It’s going to be 13 and under only.”
The fair typically welcomes 10,000 to 12,000 guests each year.
Admission prices include: $5 for Friday or Saturday, $10 for Sunday and $20 for a weekend pass. Children under 13 are free.
Various local businesses have supported the fair financially, including Blessings to You in Palmerston.
“They gave a wonderful donation for our kid zone … and it’s helping a great deal with the cost of inflatables,” Scholten said.
Youth volunteers needed
“It would be lovely to get more young adults involved to keep this as entertaining and successful as it has been over the years,” she said.
The committee is always looking for volunteers especially as “we are an aging agricultural society.”
Scholten noted the committee is grateful for the busy families that take the time to come out every year.
“Our fair wouldn’t be anywhere without our community,” she said.
Those interested in volunteering can reach out to fair directors on the website at harristonmintofair.ca.
The website also includes a full list of events and times.
