A smashing good time at the Picton fair

Story and photos by Sharon Harrison
While the sun is expected to shine on this Saturday’s fair in Milford, the damp and coolness last weekend was no deterrent for fans of the County’s first fair of the season at Picton.

The Picton fair brought everything from lawn tractor racing to tractor pulls, an antique tractor display and a car show and shine; to saddle horse shows, 4H shows, arm wrestling and skateboard competitions; along with a celebrity bake-off, baby and dog shows, as well as live musical entertainment.

While raindrops Friday and Saturday dampened activities, it didn’t stop the enjoyment as the shows went on, but organizers indicated Saturday attendance was slower than expected, with the weekend overall noted as OK, but not one of the fair’s best years.

While Sunday brought a little sun peeking through mostly dark clouds (but no rain) and a very strong breeze, folks could dodge the unseasonably cool weather by stepping inside many of the exhibition buildings.

Few seemed to notice the chill in the air at the demolition derby, which was Sunday afternoon’s main attraction and the excitement was evident.

Grandstand and bleacher seating was full, and people lined up against the fences, eager for a smashing good time –and they were not disappointed.

The first event ended quickly as one vehicle ended up flying up off the track and landing by balancing atop the concrete safety bollards (getting rather too close for comfort to the seated audience). The task became how to get the teeter-tottering vehicle back on dry (or in this case, very wet and muddy) land.

Needless to say, it, and subsequent demolition vehicle categories brought mega excitement and anticipation and waves of mud and stones were thrown up for those seated closest. The crowd soaked up every bit of excitement, on the edge of their seats, not wanting to blink in case they missed something, an event enjoyed by many, but not one for the faint of heart.

Described as a good, old-fashioned country fair by the Prince Edward Agricultural Society which organizes the event each year (run entirely by volunteers), it is one of Ontario’s oldest agricultural fairs, where horse races and prize livestock were big draws at the first fair that took place in 1836.

This year, events and entertainment through the weekend also included a fire show, circus lumberjack show, foam sessions, magic shows, rides a craft show.

There was great representation by the various 4-H clubs too, with children and youth art exhibits on display. The poultry and animals exhibition shed housed cows, sheep and goats, a donkey, plus an assembly of some very vocal poultry.

And there was a mini horse show, a beef cattle show, heavy horse team matches and various sheep and goat shows.

“This is one of the best years we’ve ever had,” said Lise Bois, fair director responsible for the flowers, greens and fruit section at the fair (also the art section).

“People knew in July that the Picton Fair was coming, they were able to get ready, and in the flower section, we were certainly did as well again as before, and lots of different entries, and we’ve had over 100 new people that basically registered to participate in the fair this year.”

The fair exhibits encourage entries from anyone of any skill level and any age to enter, and Bois also credits the inclusivity for the great turnout and participation this year, as well as the reasonable fee, where $6 per person gets up to 100 entries, something Bois said people were really encouraged by.

“Really, everyone has something to offer, and it’s a lovely fair.”

As well as ensuring all the sections she’s responsible for run smoothly during the fair, she also set up a display to complement the general theme on the topic of pollinators, and made available three free draws for donated locally-grown perennials and trees.

“That ties in with the mandate of the fair, and last year I did one on preserving, demonstrating the different ways to preserve the County bounty,” she said. “This year, I am doing it on pollinators because we all know that without pollinators, we are not going to eat those fruit and veggies, and we’re not going to have those beautiful flowers to display.”

“This is a community event, that is our focus and we want to focus on community participation,” said Bois, “It just showcases what we can do in the County when we all work together.”