MANITOWANING—Manitowaning will be the place to be this weekend as the community gears up for the 147th annual fall fair hosted by the agricultural society. The theme for this year’s fair taking place September 8-9 is ‘Fun for the Whole Herd.’
“Everyone is welcome to come out and join us for our annual fair celebrations,” said Alice Pennie. “For this year’s fair we will be having several new events, including the soap box derby for the kids (that will take place at 12 noon Saturday) right after the parade which starts at 11 am).”
“We are also holding a baby photo contest, with people sending in photos of their favourite baby photos,” said Ms. Pennie. “Visitors who attend the fair will be able to cast their vote for which baby photos are their favourite.”
“We are also having a cake walk on Friday night,” said Ms. Pennie. She explained participants will walk in a circle and when the music stops if you are standing on the number drawn on the squares you receive a prize, a cake.
All of the festivities get started Friday with judging of the many exhibits taking place at 12:30 pm on Friday in the arena. Ms. Pennie explained exhibits can be brought in Thursday evening or Friday morning. “We have updated our fair book and exhibits, and there are special cash prizes donated by people in memory of parents or friends for some of the exhibits.”
The doors of the arena will open at 6:30 pm, with the opening ceremonies to take place a half hour later. During the evening there will be a silent auction with many items that can be bid on. As well, there will be sales for 50/50 tickets.
Along with the cake walk starting at 7:30 pm Friday night other activities will include spike driving for adults, the baby contest voting, and many vendors will have their wares on display at booths. Live entertainment will take place at 8 pm.
Saturday’s many activities will get started early with a pancake breakfast taking place at the Knox United Church at 9 am. Everyone who is participating or has a float in the parade will gather for judging of the parade floats that will take place at 10:30 am. The parade will begin at 11 am.
The arena will open at 12 noon with the livestock show and 4H judging to take place. A classic car meet and greet will also take place at noon hour. Ms. Pennie said, “the meet and greet will take place after the parade but we are hoping that many of the classic car owners will take part in the parade as well.”
The canteen will also be open at noon.
The soap box derby for kids of all ages will also take place at noon hour, while children’s activities will take place from noon to 3:30 pm.
There will be karaoke in the pavilion from noon to 2 pm.
The afternoon will also see the baby photo contest winners announced at 2 pm along with the horse pull beginning at 2 pm. The silent auction being held to bid on the many items on hand will end at 3 pm.
For the full schedule of events please see Page 17 of this newspaper.
