This is an archived article. Publish date – Vol 44 Issue 33, 2011-08-18
With activities for all ages, the Palmerston Fall Fair grounds is a great place to spend Aug. 26 to 28.
Sponsors are special and that is the theme of this year’s fair.
A Saturday night half price movie might is set for the Norgan Theatre Aug. 20 at 8pm. On Aug. 24, the Ambassador of the Fair competition is set.
On Aug. 26 the parade is downtown at 6pm and the arena opens following that. Assembly for the parade is at 5:30pm at Lawrence Park
Friday night, also marks the Taste of Minto – an opportunity to taste locally grown and produced foods. That is a great way for the producers to showcase what they produce in the community.
In the past, the commodity groups have served beef, pork, chicken, beans, honey, apple butter, pizza, dairy products, and coffee. With the continued response, organizers are hoping for another exciting event.
Saturday starts with a Farmer’s Breakfast and a tailgate garage sale at 8am.
Breakfast, to 10am, includes eggs, sausage, and all the fixings. Vendors and shoppers are wanted for the tailgate garage sale in the arena parking lot.
Residents are invited to bring their treasures to sell. There is no cost to participate.
The Farmers’ Market runs 9am to 1pm at the arena, offering baking, garden produce, plants, farm fresh products, and more.
Pony rides are available as Glen Catto from Owen Sound returns to the fair.
At 10am, the pet show begins at the barn. Ribbons and prizes will be awarded.
There is a dog agility demo that will thrill. Bring pets, family, and friends to the Pet Show and enjoy the “dancing dogs.” Shows are at 11am and 2pm.
The Fair’s Baby Show begins at 11am, as does the Tiny Tyke Dairy Calf Show, followed by the Over the Hill Competition.
An open 4-H Dairy Show starts at noon. The Children’s carnival is at 12:30pm.
Organized by the Pal-merston Evangelical Mis-sionary Church, all children ages 3-10 are welcome. There games, crafts, and prizes. Activities include face painting, a craft table, and the pedal tractor pull at 2pm.
The dog agility show begins at 2pm, followed by the Auction of Champions at 3pm. The event is a chance to bid on the best – first place exhibits of beef, lamb, pork, baked goods and wine.
Weather permitting, there will be helicopter rides at the fairgrounds on Saturday.
Sunday’s events begin at 10am with an interdenominational church service 10am in the community centre. The offering is donated to the Food Grains Bank.
That is followed by the Tiny Tyke Beef Show at noon and the Anglican Church chicken supper at 4:30pm. Enjoy a feast of chicken, baked potatoes and homemade pie.
In her message to those looking forward to this year’s fair, Ambassador of the Fair Michelle Koobs said, “The fair is a time where we can look back and remember the past, as well as make memories for the future.”
“This year we are especially thanking and recognizing our sponsors, who allow us to make so many wonderful memories. Our theme, Sponsors are Special, allows us to take time to appreciate the companies and people who make the fair a time of such fun and celebration of our community.”
Koobs thanked the “faithful and hardworking volunteers who give so freely of their time and talents to bring joy to everyone in attendance at the fair.”
“My year has been very exciting. From attending district meeting, annual meeting, and convention I have made many new friends I will definitely keep for a lifetime. I have had the pleasure of working with the Agricultural Society and learning more about how much work goes into planning a fair. I especially want to thank Kathryn Alton, Christine Fotheringham, and the ambassador committee for their guidance and support, and my sponsor, the Town of North Perth, for this incredible opportunity.”
Koobs looks forward to “seeing our community once again showing how wonderful it is this August.”
President Mert Schneider offered an invitation to all residents of Minto and beyond to attend. “The fair has been an opportunity for rural and town residents to get together and share for over 130 years.”
He said volunteers put in many hours to plan and organize events and displays that will interest a wide variety of fair goers.
He noted the annual tractor Pull in late July is a perennial favourite event. He said the ambassador competition gets everyone into the fair spirit.
“Introduce the youngsters to the activities of the fair. If you make quilts, knitted or crocheted articles, or any other craft, bring it along to share.”
He said fair goers always like to check the culinary arts and canning displays as well as the popular photography section.
Schneider said the crops section is a busy area with local farmers comparing crops and networking with their neighbours.
“The Auction of Champions on Saturday afternoon gives everyone an opportunity to take home some of the best local baking , pork and beef, as well as a beautiful quilt.”
Homecraft president Grace Canning said, “We have been busy for several months now putting together this prize list for you. Hopefully you will something that is of interest to you, either to enter as an exhibitor or to marvel at.”
She added, “This is our 132nd fair and it wouldn’t be possible to carry on for so many years without the help of our many sponsors. When you visit the fair, please take note of those who have donated a prize and think of them the next time you need something that they supply.”
The first fairs held in Palmerston from 1879 to 1896 were sponsored by the Palmerston Horticultural Society, until provincial cutbacks forced them to cease.
On Jan. 13, 1897 the Palmerston and North Wallace Agricultural Society was formed. It purchased land for the fairgrounds that year. Over the years there were additions, including a racetrack and grandstand (no longer there).
All exhibits were displayed in the yellow barn, on two levels, until the arena was built.
The society contributes to the town. In 1961, land for the Barb Wright ball diamond was donated. In 1967, a swimming pool was built. That land was returned when the current pool was built. In 1976, the largest donation, worth $60,000 then, was made to the Palmerston community complex. In 1996, with a neighbouring landowner, land and access to it was supplied for a second ball diamond. The local soccer club also uses the grounds.
There have been special events. The Palmerston Toy Show was held from 1987 to 1995. The Western Ontario Sheep Dog Trial ran from 1994 to 2003.
The Ambassador of the Fair competition is 33 years old and the annual tractor pull is 30. In 2000 the Farmer’s pre-seeding barbecue was started and continues to be a hit with the farming community.
For more information about the fair or view the 2011 Palmerston Fair Book, check out the fair’s website at www.palmerstonfair.com
