‘Here we grow’ theme of Fergus Fall Fair

FERGUS – Where does your food come from?

Have you ever seen a goat up close? 

Touched a lamb? 

Seen a huge, weird farm implement?

If not, the Fergus Fall Fair is exactly the place to learn about food production and farm life.

And if you answered yes, the Fergus Fall Fair is full of like-minded individuals who are proud to display and demonstrate what they do.

The 189th edition of the Fergus Fall Fair returns Sept. 18 to 20 to the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex. 

The theme is “Here we grow.”

And new this year is Pearl, the fair’s mascot.

Pearl, a 16-year-old Percheron horse, was introduced on Facebook and Instagram and the video has created some buzz, officials say. 

With a height of 18.1 hands or over 6 feet and a weight of nearly one tonne, fairgoers won’t be able to miss her.

“She’s a gentle giant and I think people are going to love her, especially those who have never met a horse or a draft horse before,” says Rebecca Hannam, Fergus Agricultural Society director. 

The Fergus Agricultural Society is a volunteer-based organization that hosts the fair. 

“We have some photo opportunities and giveaways up our sleeve so we’re looking forward to adding Pearl to the fair,” Hannam added. 

A new meet and greet area will be set up so fair visitors can meet the mascot:

– Sept. 18 from 5 to 7pm;

– Sept. 19 from 10am to 2pm and 3pm to 7pm; and 

– Sept. 20 from 2pm to 4pm.

Pearl will also compete in the Heavy Horse Show on Sept. 20. 

As well as Pearl, the fair holds all the events regular fair goers expect including a midway, entertainment, exhibits, livestock competitions, and tractor and truck pulls.

“We’re putting on a celebration for the community and there will be something to see and do for everyone, no matter your age, interests or where you’re from,” says Denise Kankainen, president of the Fergus Agricultural Society.

Friday

The fair opens on Sept. 18 at 5pm and kicks off with midway rides and line dancing with Coastal Cowgirl before the tractor pull starts at 6:30pm.

Saturday

Kankainen says the beef and dairy cattle shows are expanding on Sept. 19 and the fair will also host a line up of entertainment acts. 

Krusher BMX and Hercinia Arts Aerial Space Show performances are scheduled along with the Diamonds in the Ruff dog show and bands including Crowded Table. 

The highlight of the evening, officials say, is the mini modified and truck pulls starting at 6:30pm. 

Beer gardens will be open beside the track both nights from 5pm to midnight. 

Sunday

Young families will want to take part in the baby show, children’s pedal pull and the many agricultural activities on Sept. 20, officials say.  

The livestock competitions will include western and heavy horse shows, 4-H and open sheep shows, a goat show and a junior poultry show.

All weekend

Exhibitors can drop off their entries on Sept. 17 or 18 and local talent will be featured in the Exhibit Hall and Exhibit Tent on fair weekend. 

“Exhibiting is an old tradition that dates back to the very first fair in 1836 and volunteers still organize over 700 competitions that people can participate in every year,” explains Hannam. 

“Whether it’s baked goods or crafts or produce from your garden, you can enter the fair competitions and a judge awards prizes. 

“Kids especially love seeing their work on display and earning a ribbon.” 

The agriculture areas at the fair have grown in popularity over recent years as more people want to learn about local food and farming. 

The Farm, Food Fun Tent, Farm Animal Tent, Touch-a-Tractor, Toddler Farmyard and Farmer for a Day activity will be open all weekend and a variety of local products will be available for sale in the Farm Market Tent. 

Know before you go

The Fergus Agricultural Society has managed to keep admission rates the same for a number of years to make the event accessible. 

Weekend passes are $35 for adults and $20 for students and seniors. 

Admission is also available by day and children five years of age and under are always free.

Advance tickets are available at a discount online until Sept. 17 or admission can be purchased by cash, debit or credit at any of the four gates. 

Parking is limited at the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex so there’s a free shuttle bus running from AO Smith (599 HIll St. W., Fergus) to the fairgrounds during the busiest fair hours.

“Last year’s fair was the largest on record with nearly 20,000 visitors and this year we’re hoping to carry on the tradition with good weather and another great turnout,” Kankainen says. 

Fall Fair Ambassador

The new Fergus Fall Fair Ambassador and three lifetime members will be selected at a dinner event on Sept. 13. 

A full schedule of fair weekend events, grounds map and FAQs are online at fergusfallfair.ca.