BY MELODY FALCONER-POUNDER
The weekend for the 153rd Bayfield Fall Fair has arrived and rumor has it the gardening is going to be fine.
Gardening is Fine in 2009 is the theme for the event which will be held on Aug. 14-16. In addition to all the wonderful, flowers, fruits and vegetables that will be on display in the exhibits section of the fair, there will be special presentations throughout the weekend with a gardening theme.
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| This photo looks back on the Bayfield Fall Fair parade held in 2006; the event which celebrated the fair's 150th anniversary drew The Commissioner's Own Pipes and Drums, comprised of members of the OPP. The 153rd fall fair parade will see the Stratford Police Band, and the Seaforth and District High School's All Girls Marching Band, providing music along the parade route. |
The gates to the fair will open to the public at 5 p.m. on Friday evening. At that time the lights, sounds and fun of the Campbell Bros. Midway will also begin.
Upstairs in the Bayfield Community Centre the local dignitaries will declare the fair officially open at 7 p.m. Following the opening ceremonies, the Youth Talent Search will commence. Youngsters from this village, as well as surrounding communities, will be featured. The top performers will have the opportunity to compete at the Western Fair in London next month.
Activities begin bright and early at the fairgrounds on Saturday morning when the Western Horse Show starts at 9 a.m. At the same time visitors will have the opportunity to see sheep shearers in action.
A highlight of the weekend events is always the parade which will make its way down Main Street to Agriculture Park at 11 a.m. Floats, pipe bands, antique vehicles, horses and children on decorated bicycles are always delightful entertainment for the large crowds that gather to cheer them on.
Once the parade makes it way to the fairgrounds the fair is really in high gear with so much to see and do. Those who attend should not only take in the exhibits in the arena but keep an eye out for the Registered Haflinger Horse Show; cattle and sheep shows sponsored by local 4H Clubs; as well as a pet parade. Clowns and juggler, Craig Douglas, will be on hand to entertain the children in the afternoon too. And for gardening enthusiasts there will be a special presentation in the arena starting at 2 p.m.
The fair continues into the evening as three musical groups will take to the stage and during this time a refreshment booth is being sponsored by the Optimist Club of Bayfield. Music will be provided by Howzat from 5-7 p.m. And then from 8-11 p.m. music will be provided by Aces High and the classic rock and blues band, The Cheap Shirts. Juggler, Craig Douglas will also make an encore appearance. Please note that age of majority is required. After 7 p.m. there is a $5 cover charge. This would be the perfect time for adults to visit the fair, enjoy some fine entertainment and even take a ride on the midway.
Folks are certain to work up an appetite when spending the day at the fair. On the Saturday night, a Beef Barbecue prepared by Jeff Cardiff may be just the thing to satisfy a hungry crowd. The meal will be served in the Bayfield Arena from 4-7 p.m. Advance tickets are selling now for $13 per person. Please call Jean Dunn at 519 565-5316 for tickets.
On Sunday the fun starts up again at 11 a.m. when the Heavy Horse Show takes to the ring. The midway, concessions and exhibits will also be open. Between 12:30 and 3:00 p.m. several activities will be held including clown shows, a pet parade and a performance by the King-Lyn Stables Precision Team.
In keeping with the gardening theme, there will be an information clinic hosted by Master Gardeners in the arena from 2-4 p.m.
A jamboree will be held upstairs in the community centre starting at 1 p.m. Please note there is an additional fee of $6 for admittance to the jamboree.
And on Sunday at 2 p.m., brought back by popular demand, a Wild West show will be held on the fairgrounds.
With the exception of the Saturday evening entertainment and the Sunday afternoon jamboree, $5 will provide visitors with a weekend entrance pass and children under 12 years are free.
GLEE SISTERS
If singing brings you joy and you are of the female persuasion, the Glee Sisters may be just the choral group for you to join.
The Glee Sisters consider themselves spirited women who hail from all corners of Huron County. They meet approximately once a week and have a very wide range of ability and experience. They are currently looking for new sisters to sing with them.
The group rehearses on Friday afternoons from 3-4:30 p.m. at St. Andrew’s United Church in Bayfield. Afterwards they enjoy a social time. The Glee Sisters’ Musical Director is Leslie Bella and their Associate Musical Director is Sue Scott.
The sisters enjoy singing a wide range of songs including, silly songs, pop, spirituals and hymns. They are also open to performing at such events as, birthday parties, church services, seniors’ homes and community events.
For more information please contact Bella by phone at 519-565-2373 or by email at lbella@tcc.on.ca or Scott at s.m.scott@hurontel.on.ca
BRIDGE CLUB
Gordon Kurtz and Chris Balyo were the high scorers when the Wednesday Evening Bridge Club met on Aug. 5 at the Bayfield Lions’ Community Building.
The club will meet next on Aug. 19. The group meets on alternate Wednesdays at 7 p.m. All are welcome to join in the fun.