Cool weather weekend boosts fun at Picton’s fall fair

A Silver Starlet aerobatic performer offers volunteer, Jeremy some cool glasses.

Story and photos by Olivia Timm
Following days of near record-breaking heat, a cool weather weekend was welcomed by those attending the 183rd annual Picton Fair.

Rain or shine, the fair brings return visitors year after year to enjoy the atmosphere of a country fair.

Hannah Armstrong’s first place prize winning feathered friend

Jack Broadbent, who has lived in Picton with his wife for many years, said he comes each year with his family and now enjoys watching his grandchildren take in the sights and sounds of the fair. He calls it tradition, and noted that he particularly likes to sample the food.

Eric Hoekstra shows off his bucket of mini-doughnuts.

Great taste from bakers and buyers in the community helped raise $2,025 for medical equipment at the County’s hospital.

Susie Harrington presents Holly Found with the ‘Best Overall’ award for her lemon pie entered in the 11th Annual Bake Off Challenge for PECMH.

Ken Menlove with his fall-themed cake

Holly Found’s lemon pie scored her the ‘best overall award’ at the 11th annual bake off challenge and auction. It was sold for $140.
This year’s bake off was sponsored by Picton Home Hardware and over the years, has raised more than $13,000 for the Hospital Foundation. The highest bid Saturday, was from Shirley Carr, who donated $185 for a cherry cheesecake.

Shaggy and Chloe tied for the smallest tail award. Brittany Beimers, right, said this is the second year Chloe took home the ribbon.

A good crowd watched this year’s dog show at the Picton Fair.

As well as the usual favourites – dog show, wrestling, demolition derby and tractor pulls, the horse and cattle shows also had good attendance.

Old Macdonald’s farm barn was filled with curious onlookers. Passersby also raved at the fruit and vegetables on display in the community centre.

Julie McGowan has also been coming to the Picton Fair since she was a little girl. Her family now lives in Napanee, but she and her mom smiled as they fondly recalled memories they have from years passed.

Julie’s daughter Elizabeth won first place for the youth walk-trot cattle show competition.

Elizabeth McGowan, right, with her younger sister, mom and dad, with her first place ribbon from a cattle show competition.

“I like to see all the fair has to offer – the giant pumpkins, and wandering through to look at the photography. It’s just so great how the community participates and comes together year after year. We love it,” she said.

From left, 851 Prince Edward Air Cadet Squadron members Liam Young, Teaghanne Hungerford, Sydney Creasy, Commanding Officer Captain Joyce Crandell, Kalika Young, Britton Creasy and Jackson Molyneux were at the ready to explain the fun and learning offered by the cadet program.

Firefighter Matt Stiff one of many of the department’s volunteers handing out fun fire safety goodies.

Two young boys couldn’t believe how big the largest pumpkin was – weighing in at 512 pounds.

Leah, Dahlia and Holland were having such fund showing off their fun outfits and cool prizes Saturday.