The biggest little fair around is getting even bigger this year.
The Wilberforce Agricultural Fair returns Aug. 8 and 9 with a refreshed lineup designed to attract more youth and families. The 42nd annual event kicks off Friday with an opening ceremony at 5 p.m. at the Wilberforce Fairgrounds, with activities running into the evening. Nancy Duff, a longtime member of the organizing committee, said there will be lots going on to usher in the weekend.
“The colour guard from the legion will be coming to get us started – this is the first year we’re doing an opening ceremony, so we’re excited about that. It makes the fair a little more special,” Duff said.
Following the opening, the fairgrounds will be abuzz with a petting zoo, live music from Geoff Webber and ball hockey on the tennis courts. At 5:30 p.m., there will be pedal tractor test drives, with a pony pull and cake walk starting at 6 p.m. New this year, there will be things going on at Keith Tallman Memorial Arena – homecraft exhibits, live music, and an antique and classic car show starting at 5 p.m. and bingo at 7 p.m.
Gates open Saturday morning at 9 a.m. There will be a fresh face greeting guests throughout the day – Tianna Hall, the Wilberforce fair’s first-ever ambassador.
“It’s something a lot of fairs do, but we never have. This is our first stab at it, but we couldn’t have picked a better representative,” Duff said.
Hall has been attending the fair for her entire life. Moving to Wilberforce permanently with her family a couple of years ago, the 16-year-old hasn’t been shy getting involved in things throughout the community.
“She’s volunteered at the fair the past two summers, she’s helped out with the Penny Raffle, where she did face painting this year, she’s been a waitress at the dinner theatre for the Loop Troupe, attends all the events at the curling club – any opportunity to help her community, she’s been there,” Duff said, noting Hall will receive a $500 bursary for the annual commitment, which includes attendance at other events in the district.
There’s no shortage of things to enjoy Saturday – the morning features include pony rides and petting zoo, painting demonstrations by Luann Coghlan, scarecrow building contest, nail driving competition, youth corn hole tournament, pedal tractor pull, sheep shearing demo, and a magic show by Pockets the Clown.
The afternoon includes an adult corn hole tournament, light and heavy horse draws, a pie-eating contest at the curling club and family dinner at the Lloyd Watson Community Centre.
“We’re keeping things fresh and exciting – we think the fair will have a whole new feel, so come on out and enjoy,” Duff said. Admission for the entire weekend is free for all children 16 and under, with no charge for adults on Friday. Entry will cost $7 on Saturday. For more information, visit wilberforcefair.com.
