Charlton Fall Fair returns this weekend

Jim Patrick
Speaker Reporter
CHARLTON – The Charlton Fall Fair kicks off for the 103rd time in as many years this Labour Day weekend and organizers are planning a heavy schedule of events to attract the interest of local residents and visitors.
Fall fair president Don Anderson reflected that this fair has been one the most successful consecutive events in Temiskaming.
The most memorable was the 1922 fair because the exhibit hall was one of only three that survived the devastating 1922 Great Fire.
It was used as a relief centre for victims of that infamous blaze and today it is still used in happier circumstances to display local artistry and produce. It is the green building that can be seen from the roadway as one comes into the grounds.
“We have a fairly big event this year,” said fair president Anderson.
Visitors can spend two full days looking at and participating in some of the activities.
People can start off the day with a hearty and delicious breakfast starting from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday.
Horse fanciers won’t want to miss the draft horse line classes. These magnificent examples of farm horsepower of yesteryear will be judged for conformation and showmanship and it will be a treat for the youngsters to see these hefty animals towering over them and to ponder their strength.
“We’re expecting a good turnout, this year,” Mr. Anderson noted.
GARDENS
This summer’s heat and rain has favoured local gardeners and the fall fair president has observed “gardens in really good shape.
“So, we’re hoping for a really good display of garden produce and flowers.”
He also advises visitors not to miss the ladies’ quilts and handicrafts on display this year.
The exhibit hall will also be filled with baking and canning items.
Meanwhile, the flea market opens at 10 a.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. on Sunday. This will be held under the coverall.
“We’ve had quite a bit of interest in the market this year so we expect it will be pretty much filled up,” Mr. Anderson said.
One of the highlights that attract adults and delight children is the frog and toad-judging event. Bring a frog or a toad to win a loonie and a ribbon.
A glitch in this year’s event is that school has started.
“Usually students don’t attend school until after the long weekend, so the kids will have to find extra time to catch frogs and toads this year,” the president said.
OPENING CEREMONIES
Opening ceremonies kick off at noon on Saturday when the prince and princess of the pumpkin patch are crowned.
“The kids show up with their pumpkins and then the selection takes place,” he said.
Another mainstay of the fair is the 4-H Club. This club is a traditional cornerstone of agricultural fairs and 4-H members will have their sheep entries ready to parade for their all-important Achievement Day that marks the end of months of feeding, cleaning and training the animals for the special show.
The sheep will be judged on showmanship and body conformation.
Another real treat this year will be a sheep-shearing demonstration by a professional sheep shearer.
Sunday’s events open with another great breakfast and afterwards visitors can stroll through the exhibit hall and flea market starting at 11 a.m.
A beef show has been slated for 11:30 a.m.
“We haven’t had a strong beef show for some years, so we’ll see what we get. If the kids show up with their animals we’ll have a show; if not, we won’t,” Mr. Anderson observed.
There will also be a time for reflection this year.
DEDICATION
At noon, there will be a dedication of the kids’ playground in memory of Dan Ryan who was tragically killed in a highway mishap and who left a wife and children.
“The Ryan family has been involved with the Charlton fair for years and years.
“Kevin, Dan’s dad, was past president and past Ontario president of the Ontario Agricultural Society,” said the fair president who noted the dedication was a fitting tribute to a hard-working and supportive local family.
Later on, visitors can take in the lawn mower races sponsored by Pete’s Small Engines of Temiskaming Shores.
The fun auction starts Sunday around 12:30 p.m.. Pies, cakes and other donated fair entries will go on the block.
“People will buy these things at outrageous prices but we are grateful for the support,” said Mr. Anderson.
Other popular attractions are the teddy bear picnic at 1:30 p.m. coordinated by Carolyn Ryan. Children 12 years and under are encouraged to bring their teddy bears. Chocolate milk and cookies will be served. The baby show for newborns to 2 years starts at 2 p.m.
Meanwhile, the heavy horse draw is also slated for 2 p.m. Sunday. This is in conjunction with the Northern Draft Horse Association. Members and their animals will be in Powassan on Saturday and in Charlton on Sunday.
“This is a really great show since these horses can pull very heavy weights and people who watch it really enjoy themselves,” the president commented.
The bale toss for all ages and there will be a small child-size bale again this year will end Sunday’s activities.
President Anderson said the show will close around 4 p.m. Sunday so exhibits can be removed from the buildings.