MANITOWANING – The Manitowaning Fall Fair is proof positive that not only is the agricultural fall fair still alive and kicking as an integral part of our Island culture, but that passing on of the skills of working the land remains vibrant amongst our youth.
The parade might have been a bit shorter than it has been in some years, but the number of entries in the various competitions was up substantially this year and the crowd attending was also higher and definitely appreciative.
The parade was led by a large red pumper of the Assiginack Fire Department followed close behind by the skirl and thump of the Lockerby Highlanders Pipe and Drum Corps. The floats of the 4-H Club, Kicking Mule Riding Stable and the Assiginack Horticultural Society were complemented well by a number of vintage vehicles, young cyclists and followed up with a good contingent of mounted riders.
In the arena, tables were laden with all manner of crafts, fruits, vegetables and flowers as young and old competed for the top honours at this year’s fall fair as vendors plied their wares and services.
Outside, the Lockerby Highlanders Pipe and Drum Corps provided a demonstration of their skills before the incomparable Robbie Shawana and friends took to the stage to provide the barbecue entertainment. On offer were hot dogs, sausages and hamburgers, while an Amish vendor provided homemade ice cream and a variety of cured meats.
Judges were kept busy assessing a record number of calves and cattle, as well as ducks, chickens, goats and plenty of other types of livestock. Over on the tennis courts it was cats and dogs getting along remarkably well as the pet competitions got underway.
The horse show results included: Senior Barrels, first place went to Doug Lebroc on Dreamer; Youth Barrels, first place went to Kendra Miron on Jordan; Junior Barrels, first place went to Taylor Bell on Shadow, second place went to Taylor Bell on Dancer and Jordan Graham on Dobbs; Leadline Barrels, first place went to Aubrey Monahan on Kat and second place went to Trapper Cyr on Jenny; in the Senior Keyhole event, first place went to Connie Miron on Jordan, second place went to Doug Lebrocq on Dreamer and third place went to Doug Lebrocq on Pebbles; in the Youth Keyhole event first place went to Kendra Miron on Jordan; in the Junior Keyhole event first place went to Taylor Bell on Shadow, second place went to Taylor Bell on Dancer, and third place went to Trapper Cyr on Jenny; in the Leadline Keyhole event first place went to Trapper Cyr on Jenny and second place to Aubrey Monahan on Kat; in the Senior Poles event first place went to Doug Lebroc on Dreamer and second place went to Doug Lebroc on Pebbles; in the Youth Poles event first place went to Kendra Miron on Jordan; in the Junior Poles event first place went to Taylor Bell on Shadow, second place went to Jordan Graham on Dobbs and third place went to Taylor Bell on Dancer; in the Leadline Poles event first place went to Aubrey Monahan on Kat and second place went to Trapper Cyr on Jenny. The Top Horse of the Day went to Jordan and the Top Rider of the Day was Taylor Bell.
The afternoon’s highlight is always the horse pull and this year the excitement was palpable as the weight topped an amazing 4,000 pounds. It was Brendan Gilbert with Cracker and Chip in the Lightweight category, while Jerold Webkamigad took home top honours in the Heavy division—both hauling the sled containing two tons of concrete weights a staggering seven feet.
