Reflections and highlights after the 160th fair seen through the eyes of a Director

The smell of the barbecues aflame always get taste buds wanting whatever is cooking. The ribs and corn were popular and added a wonderful spirit of excitement right at the beginning of the fair.The dignitary competition brought out the competitive spirit among Ben Lobb, MP and Lisa Thompson, MPP. In the end even with many comments being thrown to add pressure while completing tasks of tying a bag, sewing a button, and peeling an apple, Lisa Thompson came out victorious by one second over Ben Lobb. Elaine Rennie, the president of the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies (OAAS) came third.
It is amazing how after a full summer of drought, the fair could be rained on every day. Wild thunderstorms rolled in just before our scheduled fireworks, gentle rain fell during the Willcox performance and when people were leaving the skies opened their floodgates, and on Sunday a light rain also ended the fair somewhat early.
The fireworks were absolutely spectacular and made more special with lightning flashing in the distance behind the fireworks. This occurred just after clearing the tent area because of the lightning all around.
It is a treat to see so many types of horses over the span of two days. There are miniature, light, Friesian, and heavy horses. As well the King Lyn Precision Team demonstrated horsemanship with the routines they did with music.
Zach Wells amazed many people as he used his unicycle to travel all around the fair grounds to try some magic tricks.
The exhibits always amaze. With the dry weather there were still reasonably sized vegetables and flowers on display. Surprisingly some of the sections had increased numbers of exhibits.
The inflatables were a hit for many ages. The bouncy castle made many of the little ones emerge with red faces as they expended a lot of energy bouncing and running. A secret meeting of several Directors took place when the inflatables were being taken away. The climbing tower was left up and President Jentje took the lead in going up to the very top. He was followed by other Directors of varying ages and one Director’s father was coerced in taking the climb. Everyone was successful; the return to the base was not particularly graceful for many.
What a crowd developed for the Wilcox concert. The music certainly appealed to a large number of people and they appreciated being able to hear them in Bayfield.
The reading by Gil Garrett was riveting. His presentation of a few of the sections from Blyth’s play The Last Donnelly Standing captured everyone’s imagination of life back in early Lucan’s history. Being able to take the roles of several characters is a challenge and happened effortlessly.
The children’s games were some old fashioned activities for the children. On Sunday one very young girl stole the show when she decided that trying to catch ducks in a pool wasn’t interesting so she climbed into the tiny pool and proceeded to splash away contentedly.
The discovery tent was very popular and many found that discovering new things can be lots of fun.
The 160th fair is now a memory but these twelve events do stand out as memorable.

There will be three ribbers wishing to attract you to their particular flavoured ribs this year.  Smackwater Jacks (from Grand Bend) is a new ribber to the Bayfield scene and has a distinctive sauce flavour that will appeal to many.  Devin Tabor, for Bon Vivant, is a recognized chef and ensures the ribs are cooked perfectly.  Brian Garnet, from Let the Flames Begin, decided to provide choice to those attending by having two sauces to choose from.

The price for a half rack has been reduced this year to $18 and a full rack will be $26.  The meal will consist of ribs, a cob of locally sourced corn, coleslaw, and a drink.  A sample rib will sell for $2.  Extra corn and drinks will also be sold for $2 each.

The ribs will be sold from 5 pm. to 9 or whenever they are sold out.  There is lots of tent space if rain finally comes and there is lots of room in the arena.  There will be music for most of the evening and the opening will be at 7 pm. with a dignitary competition following the opening.  You get a chance to cheer on your favourite dignitaries as they complete the competition –Bayfield’s dignitary Olympics.

Support your fair by enjoying a good meal, music, competition, and all those staying to 9 pm. will enjoy fireworks.

Everyone looks for the things that are “new” at any familiar event or facility.  The Bayfield Fair being held on August 19 – 21 balances the fundamentals that make up the fair with activities and events that bring new life into the annual fair.

This year there is at least one new ribber at the Ribs Fest.  Smackwater Jacks was thrilled to be asked to prepare ribs and will have a prime location on Friday night just inside the gates to the right.  They are a known fixture in Grand Bend.  They were part of an event earlier this year in Bayfield and were excited with the atmosphere and reception they had and want to present their version of excellent ribs.

At the opening at 7 pm there will be a dignitary competition.  Each dignitary will be challenged with a timed event of a set of activities.  They should be encouraged by all those watching to outdo the others.  Their ribbon prizes will be the first given out after the opening takes place.

During the Friday evening music will fill the air as will the smell of tasty ribs.  The Odd Soul Collective is a group of musicians around the Exeter area who perform Soul music.  They will definitely sooth the spirits of all who attend the opening night while the ribs satisfy their hunger.

All the acts at the Rise2Fame Youth Talent Show in the Community Centre are new; however, the climax for the night will be fireworks which will start promptly at 9 pm.  They will be about 10 minutes in length set off by The Weinstein Group from Fergus who are expert in this field.  What a way to celebrate 160 years of having a community fair in Bayfield!

On Saturday there are always new floats, vehicles, and performers who participate in the parade on Saturday at 11 a.m.  The Bayfield Arena Community Partners Association, who are organizing the parade this year, have some new entries and welcome family and community floats.  Let them know you are participating by contacting Ron at 519-263-3031.  You will have to watch the parade to see who the parade marshal is this year.

Zachary Wells is a new performer to Bayfield.  He was seen doing magic acts on a train trip and has an entertainer business in his off time.  He will do a stage performance at 1:30 p.m. with a series of magical and juggling acts.  He will be walking throughout the grounds all afternoon performing magical acts with small groups of people seeing if they can figure out how the illusion takes place.

There are two opportunities to paint a pony.  Everything is provided.  The pony loves the attention and creativity is the only limitation in the final result.

This year there will be several choices for having your Saturday evening meal or snack before or during the Carnival Music Fest.  There will be several food trucks set up just inside the gate ready to serve you something healthy and fitting any dietary choice or something that you can enjoy at only those special occasions when you celebrate being around people you enjoy or being at events that must be celebrated with full abandon to dietary restraint.  Just a note -only a few tickets remain before the David Wilcox concert is sold out.

On Sunday the King Lyn Precision Team is performing its precision horse riding again in Bayfield and this time they have a new routine which has received great reviews.  They perform at noon and 1:30.

Theatre has always been a part of the rural experience.  Communities used to get together and celebrate events with plays –in many cases made up for the occasion.  On Sunday the Blyth Theatre production of The Last Donnelly Standing will be exposed to the Bayfield visitors through a reading by Gil Garrett.  What a wonderful experience to hear Gil up close under the tent reading from the play which is premiering this summer in Blyth.

The inflatables are new this year and will replace a midway.  They will be available Friday night and Saturday afternoon.  Another new activity will be the Discovery Tent where you get to experience how some well used tools work.  Several old fashioned children’s games will be organized on Saturday and Sunday for youngsters to experience.

The list of new events and activities is rather extensive and that is thanks to the Directors and members of the Bayfield Agricultural Society.  Their goal is to keep the fair fresh for people who come to the fair every year.  People who have not been there for some time should see a big change in what happens at the fair and may even be amazed at the large canoe that will be resting on the tables or see some pictures from the past at the information booth.

The young people have a series of special opportunities to take advantage of for preparing for the fair.  There will be a crafts session on Tuesday Aug. 16^th and Wednesday Aug. 17^th from 1 pm to 4 pm to make some of the crafts which can be entered in the fair.  An exciting trike and bike decorating session has been planned in Clan Gregor Square on Friday Aug. 19^th at 4 pm (look for the market tent set up near the playground in Clan Gregor Square.)  These decorated creations can then be used in the parade the next day.

The Directors could still use some more volunteers to supervise some of the children’s games or the inflatable activities.  Volunteers make the events successful and are appreciated by the Ag Society.  If you can devote a few hours to assist during the fair, contact info@bayfieldfair.ca.