The Queens County Fair is a family based agricultural fair, drawing heavily on the old traditions from the early 1900’s. Many of the same activities that went on at the turn of the 20th century can still be seen today, such as horse and oxen pulls, cattle displays and various equestrian challenges.
It takes nearly a hundred volunteers to put the fair together, but somehow the committee makes it look easy. They even find ways to expand and keep it fresh.
Competitions
It wouldn’t be a competition without ribbons, and the Queens County Fair committee says they will go through nearly 400 ribbons this year for first, second and third prizes. Many go to the judging of animals, be it grand champion halter or the barrel races. This year, the barns are overflowing with animal, with owners hoping to claim top prize.
However the main building will be full of prize-winning items, from home preserves and vegetables to quilts and photography.
Monday and Tuesday are 4-H days, and members of the group will bring their livestock in for judging. Winners will go on to compete in Nova Scotia 4-H pro show in Truro the following weekend. Some of the planned events for Tuesday afternoon include vegetable prep at 3:30 p.m., cake decorating at 4 p.m., and an outdoorsman bake off at 5 p.m.
This year’s Queens of the Fair competition is taking place on Tuesday night at 8 p.m. in the arena. Comedian Susan Carter will be on hand to get the show started at 7:30, and will MC the competition for the evening. The winner will receive a $500 bursary for their post-secondary education.
The little miss and mister pageant is set for 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday in the Pavillion.
On Saturday night at 7:30 p.m., the Senior Farmer’s Olympics will return to the show ring. Jonathan Roach, assistant manager of the fair, says there will be a few returning competitions such as the hay roll, but also a few new ones to give the farmers a challenge.
That’s just a taste of some of the events that will take place all week. Returning will be the horse pulls and Ox pulls of all sizes each day in the arena, as well as a wide variety of equestrian events.
Parade
This year’s parade takes place on Wednesday Sept. 21, at 2 p.m., and goes from the end of the West Caledonia Road to the fair grounds.
This year will also see the return of the Doll Carriage Parade and a Pet Show, set for Saturday at 1 p.m. in the pavilion.
Children’s Activities
A fair isn’t a fair without activities for the children to do, and this year there will be plenty of activities. Every day has something different to do, ranging from three legged races to tug of war. Each day there will be movies at 4, 6, and 8 p.m. as well in the main building.
Saturday is the big day though. Starting at 10 a.m. there will be new games coming out every two hours. That day is also when the Lions Club train will return from 2 to 4 p.m.
The Social Justice Club from North Queens Community School will also be there with a fish pond, raising money for their “Me to We Day” trip in Toronto.
Newly installed on the fair grounds is a playground, which was paid for through funds raised from the Vincent Cunningham Memorial Softball Tournament, the Region of Queens and the Queens County Fair. Roach says it took a lot of community volunteers to put the playground together, and it will be ready in time for the fair.
Concessions
There are plenty of things to tempt your tastebuds at the fair. Just a few of them are:
The North Brookfield agricultural society’s canteen;
Kinsmen fish and chips booth;
Jackie Jermey with her canteen;
Joey Nicols with fish and chips, sausage wagon and game booths;
Little Orbitz Donuts will also be set up;
On Friday and Saturday, the North Queens Fire Department junior firefighters are selling hot apple crisp and ice cream, as well as tickets on painting and 50/50 tickets.
The United Church Women of Caledonia will be back with their ever-popular menu;
The main dining room at the fair will also be open each day from breakfast through to supper.
But wait, there’s more
Many of the events don’t fit into any one category, however they are sure to catch your interest at the fair.
A unique feature of this year’s fair is a large quilt being made in the main building. Quilters are encouraged to drop by and add a stitch or two of their own to the quilt, and tickets will be sold all through the week to win it. The funds raised from the raffle will go towards the bursary for the winner of the Queen Pageant.
Wednesday evening at 7:30 the Bluenose Agility Recreation Canines are coming to do a demonstration.
On Friday and Saturday, Bluenose Reptiles are putting on two shows each day, at 4 and 6:30 p.m.
The ever popular Woodsman Competition also returns on Saturday starting at 12 noon.
Later in the afternoon on Saturday, the North Queens Fire Department is putting on a demonstration starting at 5:30 p.m.
There will also be demonstration of yoke making and antique engines on display during the day on Saturday.
Entertainment
When your feet get tired of walking around the grounds, they’ll be plenty of music and entertainment to keep you amused while you rest. This year the organizers are bringing in a wide selection of new bands to the stage, both local and beyond.
Wednesday night will have Dawghouse with Evan Uhlman take the state at 6 p.m. at the Pavilion, followed by the Kinfold Family Band at 7:30 p.m.
On Thursday the Blue Star Band will start at 2 p.m. for the afternoon. Evening entertainment will start at 7 p.m. with the New Edition Band.
Friday is the big show though, with Rik Reese and Neon Highway at 9 p.m. The band plays a high energy show of country rock, sure to bring you to your feet. Comedy hypnotist Ian Stewart is opening for the band at 7:30 p.m.
The week will be capped off on Saturday with the Matt Lunn Band at 2 p.m., and Straight Out with Matt Balsor at 9 p.m.
A full schedule of events is available www.queenscountyfair.ca
