For more than 130 years people have flocked to the Palmerston Fall Fair, but event organizers have not rested on their laurels.
Though the theme of this year’s fair is “Back to Our Roots,” the Palmerston Agricultural Society is introducing a number of new events to ensure the 134th annual fair, which runs Aug. 23 to 25, is one of the best ever.
“We wanted to improve the fair, so we came up with some new items,” said Grace Canning, a longtime agricultural society director who has been involved with the fair for nearly 30 years.
Of note for families will be the Teddy bear picnic and dog agility show on Aug. 25.
“We’re trying to get something for the kids on Sunday,” said Canning.
She noted Sundays are generally the slower day of the fair, but organizers are hoping new events will help improve attendance on the second full day of the fair.
Also new on Aug. 25 is the band Double Barrel, which organizers say will offer musical entertainment “for all ages and tastes.”
In keeping with the “Back to Our Roots” theme, new events on Aug. 24 include demonstrations of quilting, a sock machine and spinning and weaving alpaca fibre, as well as a history corner and family tree displays – and even an opportunity for fair goers to use the Internet to search their own family tree.
Even with the added events and attractions, this year’s Palmerston Fall Fair will also cater, as usual, to those seeking traditional events, including the 4-H dairy show on Aug. 24, which is a qualifier for the TD Canadian 4-H Dairy Classic at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto in November.
And of course, one of the fair’s most popular events will help kick off the festivities on Aug. 23.
“The Taste of Minto is usually our biggest draw,” said Canning, noting hundreds annually attend to try out the best in local fare.
Pre-fair activities
While the majority of events are set for Aug. 23 to 25, the Palmerston Fall Fair does offer those interested several events leading up the main attraction.
On Aug. 17 the fair is promoting a half-price movie night at the Norgan Theatre at 8pm and on Aug. 18 the fair’s tractor pull (rescheduled from July 27) will take place at 5pm.
On Aug. 21 at 8pm the fair ambassador competition, always a popular draw for competitors and spectators alike, will take place, followed by the official opening of the fair.
“They really get into it,” Canning said of the ambassador contestants.
She added there are at least three ambassador contestants this year and a whopping 11 vying for the title of junior ambassador.
The schedule for the fall fair’s main events for the fair is as follows:
Aug. 23
The annual parade begins at 6pm on the Friday night, with the arena open to the public after the parade.
The Taste of Minto begins at 7pm.
Aug. 24
A farmer’s breakfast kicks of the Saturday at 8am ($5 at the door). Also starting at 8am are a tailgate garage show and farmer’s market.
The popular pet show starts at 10am (for kids between the ages of five and 14) a and the birds of prey show, which Canning was happy to announce has returned this year after a successful showing at the 2012 fair, will be offered between 10am and 4pm.
Starting at 11am is the baby show. Entrants must pre-register by Aug. 22 (contact Crystal Wilson at 519-577-3635 for registration/questions).
Also at 11am are dairy shows for “tiny tykes” and then for those considered “over the hill.”
The 4-H dairy show starts at noon, and the children’s carnival begins at 12:30pm. Organizers say the carnival is suited for those aged three to 10 years old and features games, crafts, face painting and “loads” of other fun activities, including with the pedal tractor at 2pm.
At 3pm the “Auction of Champions” offers fair goers the opportunity to bid on first place exhibits, including beef, pork, baked goods and wine. The corn roast starts at 6pm.
And don’t forget to check out the new events throughout the day, including quilting, sock machine and spinning and weaving demonstrations; a history corner; and displays and research on family trees.
Aug. 25
A church service opens Sunday’s events at 10am, featuring a guest speaker and music program, with the free will offering being donated to the Food Grains Bank.
The Carry-On Women’s Institute will be celebrating its 75th anniversary at the food booth from 11am to 2pm.
From 12:30 to 2:30pm the band Double Barrel will offer musical entertainment.
At 1pm the Amazing Race event begins, as does the dog agility show, which will be offered by Diamonds in the Ruff.
The Teddy bear picnic starts at 1:45pm and the day generally wraps up with the Anglican Church roast beef supper at 4:30pm ($14 for adults and $6 for those aged 12 and under).
For more information on the 2013 Palmerston Fall Fair, visit www.palmerstonfair.com.
