All across Ontario communities celebrate rural life at their local fairs. Approximately one month from now the smells of ribs, the sounds and sights of a parade, the splashes at the dunk tank, the sounds of music, the noises from many animals, children playing, and the fair competitions mesh together during the annual community fair at Bayfield from August 19-21.
The Rib Fest will again be Friday night with four people preparing ribs with different flavours to suit a variety of tastes. Cait Vail from Cait’s Kitchen and Pat and Kevin’s on the Square are new folks to the Rib Fest with some distinctive sauce flavours that will appeal to many of the ribs crowd. Devin Tabor, for Bon Vivant, and Brian Garnet, of Let the Flames Begin, will also be returning to provide their usual version of tasty ribs. The price for a half rack has been reduced this year to $18 and this year full racks will be sold for $26. The meal will consist of the ribs, a cob of locally sourced corn, coleslaw, and a drink. Samples of the ribs will sell for $2. The changes this year reflect the suggestions that were provided after last year’s fest. Advanced sale of tickets has not been finalized but would be on the Ag Society’s website.
This year music will soothe the palate and soul of all those at the Rib Fest. Odd Soul Collective is a group of musicians from the Exeter area and will perform soul music until 9 p.m.
Friday evening this year will be capped with fireworks to celebrate the fair’s 160th anniversary. The Society, the fire department, and the company setting off the fireworks have met to ensure that safety is well attended to. Anyone seated or standing near the tent or stage area will have excellent viewing points for the show which will start at 9 p.m. This non-stop show will take up to ten minutes in length. Fireworks have not been held in Bayfield for many years and if any businesses wished to help sponsor the show, contact the Society at info@bayfieldfair.ca.
Marching bands, floats, and all the other attractions for the annual fair parade are being booked now. Everyone looks forward to the floats that organizations, parks, and neighbourhoods put together. The floats speak to the feeling of being involved in this heritage community. Those wishing to be part of the parade should contact Bill or Ron at info@bayfieldfair.ca.
Volunteers for setting up and taking things down after the fair are being organized already. There is a special need for people who would like to look after inflatable activities on Saturday August 20 from noon to 4 p.m. and games that are being set up for the children to play on Saturday and Sunday for a couple of hours. Interested volunteers should leave their names, phone number, and area of interest at info@bayfieldfair.ca.