Taken from the BAYFIELD BREEZE – VOLUME 6 – WEEK 35 ISSUE 269

BY: MELODY FALCONER-POUNDER

Members of five local congregations came together to worship on Aug. 17 under the fairgrounds tent in a ‘harvest themed’ community church service that proved to be a widely popular success. Organizers were thrilled with the participation and those in attendance unanimously agreed that this must become an annual event.

Guest Speaker Jean Bennett, well known for her activism in Huron County, shared personal stories from her international travels observing projects of the Canadian Foodgrains Bank in parts of Africa and Nicaragua.

The Canadian Foodgrains Bank has operated for over 30 years, with a vision of ‘a world without hunger’. In partnership with Canadian churches and church-based agencies, they organize and support worldwide programs that work towards ending global hunger. Sometimes this is through meeting immediate food needs in crisis regions; but they also work constantly to reduce malnutrition and achieve sustainable food security in developing countries.

Bennett spoke of witnessing projects in operation such as pineapple plantations started with seeds provided by Canadian Foodgrains that now have unified 700 farmers into a powerful co-operative allowing them to receive higher prices for their fruit. Elsewhere, goats are provided annually to individuals this allows local women to both feed and support their families. She also acknowledged that safe, affordable access to healthy food should be considered a basic human right, and the work of the Canadian Foodgrains Bank strives to achieve this through collecting grain and through cash donation.

Because of an established partnership with the Federal Government, all donations for food assistance are leveraged four to one, which means for every dollar donated to Foodgrains; $5 is actually spent.

“The generosity of those attending the Bayfield Fair Community Church Service last Sunday resulted in $1,530 offered as donations to the Canadian Foodgrains Bank. With the government’s portion, this translates to $7,650 worth of food aid that will be provided,” said Elise Feltrin, minister of St. Andrew’s United Church. “What a remarkable ‘harvest’ of abundance to be shared with those in need! To all who attended and supported this worthy cause, many thanks.”

The initial highlight of this year’s fair was learning that there were 160 more entries this year than last year. That total was strong thanks to regular exhibitors like Helen Turner at 98 years of age who entered 9 exhibits.

It was wonderful catching the aroma of apple wood smoking ribs that fed over 500 people on Friday night. People were sampling or eating racks of ribs right up to 9 pm. although the vendors were sold out at 8:30. The streets were clogged around the arena as people came for the ribs and music.

It was a delight presenting the President’s Award to Jean Dunn for her longtime commitment to being Homecraft President. The second award was for exceptional volunteering by Don Brodie. Both individuals are excellent and long-time supporters of the Bayfield Fair.

While wandering the fairgrounds early, I met two young lads leading their sheep preparing for the 4-H Sheep Show. I asked if I could get a picture of them with their sheep and you could see their pride that someone also cared as much as they did about their sheep

Riding a jeep which was a convertible in the rain along a parade route was a new experience. Many children verbally wondered why we were riding without the tops up.

A memorable moment was being in the arena and in the distance the sound of the pipes and drums could be heard. The sound increased quickly and everyone noticed the OPP Pipes and Drums band came right into the arena. They turned down the first aisle, manoeuvered without slowing through the two centre aisles and majestically marched the final aisle while many observers finally realized what was happening and took their pictures. The sound was spectacular and quite moving even withour Scottish blood coursing through your veins. The pipe major just spontaneously decided to bring the music where the people were in the shelter of the arena.

All other entertainment was brought into the arena and crowds gathered near each performer. Craig Douglas, our juggler, had every age group fully entranced by his performance. Young children almost took the limelight away as they sat on his equipment to have a closer seat to the action. Juggling and cutting an apple in the process was amazing.

About 80 people watched a fire act performance at the front of the arena Saturday evening. As the performer had fire dancing all around him, cars slowed and stopped to see what was happening. It was a great way to conclude a day at the fair.

It was impressive to see the tent filled for the interdenominational church service. The message of the influence of helping even one person through the foodgrains program was powerful.

Finally the number of people who said they loved the fair will outweigh the influence of rain. We gained over the three days several people who want to be part of the fair organization. After we closely examine the questionnaires that were filled in during the fair and examine the success of each element of the fair, we can approach “Blue Jeans and Machines” in 2015 with confidence.

The Fair is only two more days away! We are in the midst of setting up and our tractor for our brand new ‘Touch the Tractor’ display has arrived. Thanks to the great folks at Huron Tractor in Exeter for their support!!

Fairs are an event which gathers a community together to be entertained, see the local people compete, and learn something about the community.

The Ag Society has always appreciated the support of the local community.  Support might be through volunteers, finances, attendance, or entering events.

The fair can always use volunteers.  If you wish to support by volunteering, check the website www.bayfieldfair.ca to see what opportunities there are.  This year the Huron County Junior Farmers are holding three competitions for people.  The Huron Chuckers are demonstrating their ax and knife throwing skills.  These are a couple of the new volunteer groups this year.

All events require donations to cover the costs of the activities.  The expenses of last year approached $50 000.  The fair has been blessed to have many businesses who have supported the programs put on by the fair.  The cost of admittance does help to ensure that a broad range of entertainment is available.  There is no gate fee on Sunday and people are asked to consider making a donation.  Only a very few entertainment events have an additional fee.

The easiest way to show support is by attending the events.  The fair is a great event to invite guests to wander through.  Many stories have emerged about the positive potential in some people’s lives.  Two years ago one mom told members that her autistic son smiled (which almost never happened) when he was playing in the grain box.  Last year a young girl who was fearful of horses and after many lessons prior to the fair showed a horse with complete confidence.  She was given a special award for her growth.  Taking the time to attend one or more days is appreciated.

Finally the fair is also about the competition.  Bring your biggest potato, your best jam, you favourite photo, your craft, your birdhouse, your best glad, or encourage young people to enter one of the many classes.  Take part in one of the challenges put on by the Junior Farmers.  Try the obstacle course race.  There are so many people bringing in their horses, sheep, and dairy calves that it should be easy to bring over a few items grown in your garden or made in your house or shed.  No one wants to be the only one in a competition.  Start a new family tradition by bringing something to enter at the fair.

The Bayfield Agricultural Society welcomes and encourages the community’s support in any form: volunteer, financial, attendance, or participation.  The fair only improves with strong community support.  Start by attending the Ribs and Music Fest on Friday night.

This Sunday is Family Day at the fair.  The outdoor market is open as usual selling produce, baked goods, tools, furniture, books, and much more.  There is always something for every member of the fair.

A Community Church Service at 10:30 am. will provide an opportunity to give thanks for all that this community has.  All the village churches have partnered to share a common message in an outdoor atmosphere.  People can choose to have breakfast before or after the service from one of the vendors on the fairgrounds.

Everyone loves to see the grace and strength of the heavy horses.  They will be exhibiting in the main show ring at noon.  This is one of the last heavy horse shows in the region so the Bayfield community is fortunate to have it so close to see each year.

The jamboree will be held in the auditorium at 1 pm.  The music always entices a few to dance to the rhythm being played.

The young people can have their faces painted and play with the equipment in the arena.  All ages linger in the Pet Display building enchanted by all the friendly creatures.

Sunday is a great day to relax with family and friends and enjoy the atmosphere of the fair.

Good day!

We are happy to see you are looking at what is happening is just a week from now at the Bayfield Fair!

Today we posted new videos of the artists that will perform at the Ribs & Music Fest. CLICK HERE!
See you in 8 days at the fair…

Fairs are that heritage event which educates visitors about rural life.  Fairs also provide entertainment for all age groups and competition to whet the appetite of those who have a competitive spirit.

The competition at the Bayfield Fair begins on Saturday August 16 with the miniature horse and light horse shows lasting well into the afternoon.  The 4-H dairy show starts at noon and at Bayfield they have their final show of the season.  The young people are serious about how well they do and Libro Credit Union awards them their prizes.  The 4-H sheep show also begins at noon.  This is their first show and even after training in how to exhibit their lambs there are many nervous members.  Libro also presents them with their awards.

In the arena the results of the judging can be seen for baked items, crafts, flowers, woodworking, photography, art, and vegetables.  Everyone is invited to participate and entrants do help one another even though winning is a bonus.  Check out the prize book at www.bayfieldfallfair.ca.  The IODE Maple Leaf Chapter has provided the prizes for the children’s entries.  Items can be entered on Thursday August 14 from 7-9 pm or 9-11:45 am on Friday August 15.  The entry fee of $7 will also allow any exhibitor free admission.

Demonstrations will be held in the arena also on the Saturday of the fair.  Outside the demonstration that will cause a lot of interest is the knife and ax throwing by the Huron Chuckers.  Somewhat less extreme with be the juggler show by Craig Douglas; although he has been known to juggle with fire and blades.

The parade begins at 11 am.  All children are encouraged to decorate their bikes, trikes or skateboards or dress in a costume –maybe we will have a herd of two legged cows this year since the theme is: The Cows are at the Gate in Our 1-5-8.  All the children in the parade will get a coupon for something to eat or drink at the Ag Society food booth.

The children enjoy the pedal mini-tractor pull which takes place around 2 pm.  There will be several challenges presented by the Junior Farmers throughout the afternoon.  Watch for them on the cement pad.

Most of the entertainment is over around 4 pm.  This gives people a chance to go to the beach or meet with friends.  The competition begins again around 6 pm with a community challenge around the two person obstacle course.  The driver of a golf cart is blindfolded and the second person must give instructions on how to get through the winding course the fastest.  Any organization can enter for a coveted award that will be presented following the final entry.  Some groups have already submitted their entries and this challenge pits one group against the other for some lighthearted fun.  Hopefully each two person group will bring a cheering section to encourage them.  Any group wishing to register should contact Don Brodie at 519-263-2404.

At 7 pm the auditorium is the site for the Rise 2 Fame competition.  This has been sponsored by the Optimist Club for many years.  Young people display their talent to gain the privilege of competing at the Western Fair.  Any of our local talent should preregister with Charlie Kalbfleisch at 519-565-2244.  The show is always an exhibition of fine talent from the region.

To cap off the day organizers have arranged to have a fire act show in the tent area at 8:30 pm.  Admission for adults is $5 and all children under 12 are admitted free.  Pyroflys will entertain all ages and amaze them with the stunts presented.  And that is just one day at the fair.