September 2019
Knowledge and expertise to guide you through changing market conditions.
Paul Cleary B.B.A. BROKER 705-327-6002
Grants for non-profits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Township news. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Community Centre fall programs. . 16, 17 Federal election candidates . . . . . . . . 21-25 Community Events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28, 29
Visit
paulcleary.com
Thank you, local farmers. It’s Fall Fair Time Fall fairs are iconic. They represent the heart and soul of our rural community and they’re about so much more than displays of big pumpkins, weirdly shaped carrots or chickens with wildly coloured feathers. Fairs connect us directly to farmers, the men and women who provide us with the food we eat. These rural events have been around forever. The Ramona Fall Fair has been entertaining us for 130 years; the Severn Bridge Fair since 1873; and the grandmother of them all, the Orillia Fall Fair, since 1850. That’s 169 years - seventeen years before Confederation; 78 years before penicillin; and fifty-three years before Ford started manufacturing automobiles. There are well over two-hundred fall fairs in Ontario. Although you’ll find common themes among them all, each of our local fairs has their own unique traditions. The 167th Orillia Fall Fair at ODAS Park runs from September 8-10. Some of the features include midway rides, a baby contest, a tractor pull and demonstration, displays of chickens or ducks, and a 4-H Junior cattle show. This year the main event is a FMX competition. The schedule is available at www.orilliafallfair.com. Severn Bridge Fall Fair is set in a beautiful forested fairground close to the Highway 11 Southwood Rd. exit. This year they present
© Can Stock Photo / badbird
their 144th annual event on September 9th. This fair is intimate and traditional, featuring agricultural exhibits, horse shows and lots of activities for kids. Look for the huge pot of local corn cooking over an aromatic hardwood fire. The complete schedule can be found at www.severnfair.org. On Friday, September 15th, the 128th Ramona Fall Fair opens with their traditional annual horseshoe competition. The next day is Fair Day when all events and exhibits open. Features of the day include baking, canning and needlework displays; a ladies nail driving contest; and the largest horse draw in the area. More information and the schedule is on their website, www. ramonahall.ca. Lastly, Coldwater has one of the largest fall fairs in the province. It runs over three days, September 22-24. They begin the festivities with a parade on Friday, September 22. Among many other activities, this fair features a midway, demolition derby, dedicated kids’ zones and a spelling bee.
Visit www.coldwaterfallfair.com. What I love about fall fairs is how my imagination starts to run wild as soon as I set foot on the fairgrounds. I can see back to the 1850’s. Fall fair day and farmer families wake up at 3:00 a.m. Magnificent horses are brushed and harnessed. Cows and sheep are washed and readied for competition. The most spectacular looking carrots, squash and pumpkins, along with all the fresh baking, are ready to win. After packing everything into a wagon, and well before the sun has fully risen, the family sets out to the fair, smiles on their faces. It’s a lovely picture in my mind and it’s what keeps me going back to fall fairs. It’s my opportunity to thank a farmer for everything they do for all of us. Whatever inspires you to attend at least one of the local fall fairs, you can be sure that your natural desire to visit the past will be fulfilled.
SUNDIAL LAKEVIEW RETIREMENT RESIDENCE LIFE BEGINS AT RETIREMENT BOOK YOUR PRIVATE TOUR TODAY
•
1.844.600.LAKE (5253)
•
ORILLIARETIREMENT.COM