MANITOWANING—As Northern Ontario’s longest continuously running agricultural fair, the Manitowaning Fall Fair, has quite a reputation to uphold but if plans are any indication, maintaining that cred won’t to much of a challenge.
The Manitowaning Fall Fair’s theme this year is ‘Growing from Generation to Generation’ and, judging from the significant number of events and activities to be found on Page 15 of this edition of The Expositor, grow it has.
“Our group of directors and dedicated volunteers hope you enjoy the events,” the Manitowaning Agricultural Society says. “We welcome suggestions on how to better entertain you. Volunteers are always needed to plan and run our fair.”
The fair kicks off at 8:30 am to 11:30 am on Friday, September 6 with the submission of exhibits. There is still time to download the fair booklet from the society’s spanking new webpage located online at Manitowaningas.ca and get your submission in to collect bragging rights and some modest cash prizes. Judging who will be named best at the fair takes place at 12:30 pm that same day—but the curious will have to wait for the doors to open at 6:30 pm to see.
Opening ceremonies take place in the Providence Bay arena at 7 pm, followed by a demonstration by the Manitoulin Secondary School Robotics team at 7:15 pm. Friday’s activities will include a cake walk, spike driving and a fish pond, with local entertainment starting at 8 pm.
Saturday the fun continues bright and early with a breakfast at 9 am before the assembly of the floats and parade at 11 am. At 12 pm the arena opens for a day chockablock of exciting things to see and do. One of the highlights of this year’s fair will be a performance by Alyssa Remanda, a Grit and Glitter trick rider.
The crowds will assemble at the outdoor track beside the Assiginack Arena for the ever-popular horse pull at 2 pm.
Be sure to get your bids in at the silent auction before it ends at 3 pm.
The 2024 Manitowaning Agricultural Society list of directors include Ms. Pennie, Keith Flaherty, Barbara Flaherty, Lisa Hallaert, Brenda Newman, the late Lori Case, Burke Pennie, Susan Holmes, Hugh Moggy, Sylvia Moggy, the late Jacqueline Bryant and Wilfred Holmes. Associate directors include: Debra Goetz, Freda Bond, John Pennie, Delbert Sousa, Greg Pyette, Katie Cyr, Dorothy Glasby, Jane Moggy, Les Fields, Evelyn Russell-Baehr, Joan Wood, Maimie Sim, Marilyn Smith, Rachel Skippen, Marilyn Sparham and Sheila Armstrong. Junior directors are: Ben Pangowish, Grace Pennie, Brodie Pennie, Jack Pennie, Danika Skippen, Rylan Pennie and Elizabeth Moggy.
Folks are encouraged to become members of the Manitowaning Agricultural Society (a membership form can be found online at Manitowaningas.ca and only costs a $6 membership fee). Sponsors are heartily welcomed as well. Contact Ms. Pennie at 705-859-3670 or Barbara Flaherty at 705-859-3555 to find out how you can support Northern Ontario’s longest running agricultural fair and become part of making rural history.
