With 154 years now on the clock, Tracey Dettman said the Kinmount Fair is one of the most storied traditions in the Highlands.
Typically held over the Labour Day long weekend, the event is one of the last major local summer attractions, with Dettman estimating between 10,000 and 15,000 people will attend this weekend’s offering, which runs Friday through Sunday (Sept. 4-6).
“This is the 154th fair, with a focus on the timber industry of the past,” said Dettman, a volunteer with the fair’s organizing group the Kinmount Agricultural Society [KAS]. “The fall is the traditional end-of-summer for our community and brings many people to have a fun, family-focused time.”
There will be a midway all three days, opening at 11 a.m. and operated by World’s Finest Shows, with various other performances and exhibits over the weekend.
Friday begins with a saddle horse show at 9 a.m. at the show ring, with a chainsaw carving competition beginning in the heritage complex and exhibit hall at 10 a.m. The first day will end with the truck and tractor pull at 5 p.m. and urban cowboy line dancing at the arena at 7 p.m.
Dettman said the weekly farmers market will run at the arena Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with horse judging beginning at 9:30 a.m., and chainsaw carving, sheep judging and junior cattle show all starting at 10 a.m.
The traditional parade runs at the grandstand beginning at noon, with an amateur talent show at 1 p.m., and concert by Ottawa-based country act Eastbound of Bytown at 2 p.m. and the light and heavy horse draw at 5 p.m.
Sunday kicks off with a miniature horse show at 9 a.m., ‘King and Queen of Strength’ competition at the grandstand, and baby races and children’s races, both at 10 a.m. At 1 p.m. there will be a chili cook-off contest, auction for completed chainsaw carvings and a performance from the Dennis Whitty Band.
Dettman confirmed the popular demolition derby is back for another year, running Sunday at 2 p.m.
There will be meet-and-greets and petting opportunities with animals from Barnyard Trails, Hands on Exotics, Dalrymple Rabbits and Fairy Hair throughout the weekend, with performances from Extreme Dogs – Stunt Dog Show, Extreme Lumberjacks and Aces Flying Pig Races.
Dettman said the lumberjacks are a new feature this year, as is the junior firefighter challenge – a themed obstacle course built just for kids.
While undoubtedly a weekend of celebration, Dettman said there will be a slightly somber feel as the KAS prepares to honour Guy Scott for his contributions to the Kinmount community. Scott died in April, though had been an attendee, helper, and champion of the fair for most of his life.
“There will be an addition of a large red chair for people to take selfies this year – it will be dedicated in memory of Guy on Saturday with some of his family in attendance,” Dettman said.
For more fair information, including pricing, visit www.kinmountfair.net.
