Hats off to EAS
Another Thanksgiving, another Erin Fall Fair.
The Erin Agricultural Society now in its 176th year, celebrated the harvest with neighbouring communities far and wide. The best of the best show up at the fair which bills itself as the preview to the Royal. There was plenty of entertainment too.
The theme this year was Hats off to the Farmer. Coincidentally, the United Nations designated 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer to recognize the significance of women in the agri-business sector. The designation was meant to highlight hardships found in developing countries where wage inequity and limited access to trade levers, like land and equipment, make it difficult for women to advance in that field.
The exhibit hall was chock full of entries this year. Mighty sunflowers, kept straight with some help practically touched the ceiling. Elsewhere, produce that looked almost too good to eat was on display. Crafts and projects of all types demonstrated many talents and proof that incredible creativity resides in us all.
Livestock from bunnies to horses to cattle and sheep – even alpacas and a camel helped connect farmer with enthusiast. Chickens and goats amused many. It was great to see the incredible interest in a way of living that is time worn but a blessing. Farmers work hard, but they love their vocation.
Driving home along county road 22, thoughts drifted to how fortunate we are to live in this part of the world. Hardwood bushes are changing colour and the hills of Erin offer views people would travel for hours to see.
Hats off to farmers and hats off to EAS, for another great show. Your efforts are appreciated.
