Big crowd for Milford’s 80th greatest little country fair

Story and photos by Sharon Harrison
The Milford Fall Fair celebrated 80 years of community gathering to this part of the County for “Canada’s greatest little country fair” – and at least one person was in attendance who was at the first fair in 1946.

While cooler fall temperatures prevailed, many welcomed the pleasant but breezy conditions, especially compared to some very hot past fairs. And the rain, naturally, stayed away where organizers proudly comment that it has only rained twice (or maybe three times) in the fair’s long history.

The day, and the 80th anniversary, of course, began with a parade, appearing smaller this year, especially without the pipe band, where it welcomed floats, old cars and tractors, including 851 Prince Edward Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron, among others.

And the Cherry Valley Fraser family’s wondrous automobile made it to another parade, and up another hill, as it took an effortless run toward the fairgrounds.

As always, there was much to keep everyone occupied from the live music acts on the stage, to kids’ activities (bird feeder making – involving power tools with volunteer guidance), pumpkin painting, face painting and games, Lego building, kids’ races and, of course, the good old-fashioned tug-o’-war. And the library had its usual book sale.

Plenty of food vendors filled empty tummies, and plenty of market vendors offered wares and services, along with several local community groups (Prince Edward County Field Naturalists, South Shore Joint Initiative, Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (Belleville Centre), and Prince Edward County Public Library, among them).

Flowers and plants and floral displays could be admired inside the shed, along with art work, crafts, textiles and knitted items, and photography. Pumpkins too, big sunflower heads, and scrumptious-looking baked things. Everyone of them judged earlier in the day, with prizes and ribbons given accordingly.

Always a favourite was the dog show where many of the County’s canine companions fought for top dog prize. There were plenty of wasps too.

For the bigger kids, there was nail driving and log sawing (and yes, it is much harder than it looks, but it’s also a lot of fun).

The County Acrobatics and Pure Joy Dance put on a fine display showcasing the skills of children of various ages.

South Marysburgh councillor and Milford Fair Board president, John Hirsch, made a few opening remarks, along with County mayor Steve Ferguson. And while Bay of Quinte MPP Tyler Allsopp was expected to make an appearance on the stage, he appeared missing in action (although the mayor assured he was at the fair, somewhere).

Ferguson said it was a pleasure to be at this annual event where he extended congratulations to the fair board and the volunteers.

“This fair, which is celebrating its 80th anniversary, began in 1946 as a welcome home to soldiers who had served in the Second World War, and there are documents about the fair’s history that are available at the library and other places,” shared Ferguson.

“It’s been a magnificent institution for 80 years. In its early days, it used to occur on a Wednesday afternoon, kids got the day off from school, they joined the parade, it was really a family event, and it’s so wonderful that it continues 80 years later, this time on a Saturday, and always under extraordinarily beautiful weather, as it is today.”

Clint Ryan

The singing of the Canadian national anthem was also brought back to the fair this year, and was performed by musician Clint Ryan, along with the gathered crowd. Fun fact: Hirsch noted that Ryan was the original lead in the Toronto cast of Hair “back when I was young, and had hair”.

The Murray Clapp Memorial Citizenship Award, now in its 38th year, was given out by fair board member John Hallam who said the award is to recognize residents of South Marysburgh who have made outstanding contributions to their community. Each recipient received a certificate and a medallion.

“This year, one of our volunteer firefighters is a winner, that is Barrie Manser, he is out of Brampton, Ontario and served up there as a captain, and retired down here, and built a house down here near Black River Cheese,” shared Hallam. “He loves smoke so much, he decided to volunteer for the fire department here.”

Manser was not in attendance to receive the award.

Kathy Empringham, who grew up in West Lake and lived there for 56 years, was also a recipient. She went to Prince Edward Collegiate Institute and was married to Stephen in 2016.

“Kathy pitched soft ball in the church league around here, is a member of the South Marysburgh Rec Committee involved with the Halloween party, the Christmas party and the first St. Patrick’s Day dance in a long while, also the Easter egg hunt,” shared Hallam. “She works at the library, volunteers a lot of extra time there as well as paid, she does some tutoring, she initiated a program for literacy, she is involved with the facilities and maintenance committee here, is a member of the Friends of the library, helps out local kids with their school work.”

The next award recipient was Stephen Empringham, wife of Kathy.

Steve grew up in Scarborough, attended Sir Wilfred Laurier Collegiate, he studied printing at George Brown, worked as a printer in Ajax and Pickering for over 30 years, and moved to the County and worked as a handyman from 2001 to 2012, and met Kathy in 2016.

“He is also a member of the South Marysburgh Rec Committee. He is involved with the Halloween party, the Christmas party, also the Easter egg hunt, involved with the maintenance and repair of the library, the town hall and Mount Tabor, delivers the South Marysburgh Mirror and Mirror Messenger.”a

He’s also a musician and has played with three well-known bands in the area: Little Bluff, Grampa’s Goodtime Gang and currently with Rock Cut (including playing today on stage).

The awards, which are awarded every year come fair time, were first presented in 1988 by Murray Clapp.

But the award giving wasn’t finished, as there was more.

“Given the special nature of this fair’s 80th anniversary, we thought, let’s try to track down, is there anybody still around who was at the first fair in 1946?” shared Hirsch. “There are three!”

Sandra Emlaw

They are Mary Creasy, Sandra Emlaw, and Leon McConnell, although only Emlaw came up to the stage to be presented with her special certificate. They will ensure the other two receive theirs, confirmed Hirsch.

“Sandra said she was six years old when she attended the 1946 Milford Fall Fair,” shared Hirsch. “It’s an interesting story that there are still people around.”

A non-profit fundraising event, the Milford Fall Fair has operated continuously since 1946 (excepting a two-year break during COVID), where proceeds are donated back to the local community each year. It’s run entirely by volunteers.

The third and final County fall fair of 2026 is to be held Saturday (Sept. 26) in Ameliasburgh at the Roblin Lake Park.