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.