PROVIDENCE BAY—The Providence Bay Fall Fairs’ 141st edition continued its tradition of providing many traditional events and activities for all members of the family to enjoy, and also providing something a little new, although little would not be the word for it. The Lone Pine Stage with seating available for 5,000, was front and centre this past weekend, and has received very high praise from a member of The Studebaker Props.
“We felt very privileged to be the first band to play on the stage,” said John Tustian. “It is an amazing venue. We felt very privileged. The sponsors and the people who were involved in getting it done should be very proud.”
“There is no doubt it is going to be a great attraction for sure,” stated Mr. Tustian. “I’ve played at many venues and festival stages over the years and this one is right up there with the best. Providence Bay is a great town and this will add to and benefit the community, in fact for all of Manitoulin Island. All the people who were involved in this project need to be commended.”
“Yes, I’m definitely hoping to be asked to return to this stage. It is fantastic,” said Mr. Tustian.
In welcoming everyone to the fair, Jack White, president of the Providence Bay Fall Fair committee Agricultural Society said, “I would like to welcome everyone to the 141st Providence Bay Fair. What a year it has been,” he said, praising Norm Morrell, who acted as master of ceremonies for the opening of the fair (again this year) last Friday evening. “This year we not only had a fair to get ready and run, but there was the project in our backyard (new stage). I would like to thank all our directors, volunteers and members and volunteers. It is such an honour to be associated with all these people, all you have to do is ask and they will help.”
Mr. White then said, “back in May, I offered a guy here this evening a Providence Bay Fall Fair hat, but so far he hasn’t taken it. He stepped up and helped out tremendously with the construction of the new building in our backyard. I would like to offer this hat and recognition to Owen Legge who went above and beyond the call of duty (in spearheading and leading the construction of the new stage).”
“The new Lone Pine Stage is here to stay. We hope it will be in use forever and be an asset to the community,” said Mr. White. “It’s a community stage that can and hopefully will be used by the community for all types of events in the future.”
Wayne Legge, a committee member with PBAS, had designed the 40×50 foot stage and work has been carried out by contractors and many volunteers in the community over the past few months.
“A most hearty welcome to everyone to the Providence Bay Fall Fair. This is the 141st consecutive running fall fair which was held even during the days of COVID. This has to be one of the great events in Ontario.”
Having announced that she will be retiring as of the next federal election, Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing MP Carol Hughes told the large crowd, “It has been an honour joining you at the fall fair over many years. This event showcases the tremendous talent of so many individuals. And I commend the four young ladies who have put their names forward for the Fair Ambassador competition.
“Most importantly I hope everyone has a lot of fun this weekend,” stated MP Hughes.
Central Manitoulin Mayor Richard Stephens, said, “141 years is a big number. I would like to thank all the volunteers, with special appreciation to Jack White and his group of men and women who have dedicated so much of their time and effort to putting on this fair.”
As part of the evening’s festivities, the Junior Ambassador winters were announced by Angela Johnston. Receiving the highest number of points for entries in the exhibit hall display, first place went to Tucker Young in the six and under age category, Bella Ferguson Vanhorn age 7-10 division and Silva Verboom in the age 11-15 category.
Ms. Johnston then announced the winners in the ‘Manitoulin’s Next Top Chicken’ competition. “This is an online contest with 20 chickens’ names being submitted with pictures and a story about their chickens and a vote was taken on social media,” she explained. Ruby Gilchrist and her hen ‘Big Bird’ took the hen category while the top rooster owned by Brooklyn Valad is ‘Samuel L.L. Chicken.’
The Fair Feud competition, hosted by Carolyn Glasby, has now been won by the Orford Family two years in a row.
Of course, one of the highlights of any fall fair is the Fair Ambassador competition, hosted by Karlene Scott. This year, four young ladies took part, Alexandra Wilson-Zegil, 17 of Gore Bay who was sponsored by Betty’s Convenience, Lexi Young, 17 of Spring Bay who was sponsored by Lonely Creek Farms, Alexis McVey, 17 of Evansville who was sponsored by Buoy’s Grocery, and Hannah McDonald, 16 of Little Current who was sponsored by Nicklasson Construction.
Each of the contestants gave a speech on several topics that had been provided, with judges present.
Alexandra Wilson-Zegil was selected as Providence Bay Fair Ambassador, with first runner-up Hannah McDonald and Miss Congeniality Alexis McVey.
Ms. Wilson-Zegil’s presentation focussed on the six degrees of separation theory, and how this applies to living on Manitoulin. “No matter where I go, I meet someone who is connected to Manitoulin Island.” She also focussed how important the hard work of farmers has been and the importance of preserving our environment.
The Studebaker Props concluded Friday’s events with a concert at the Lone Pine Stage.
Among the highlights Saturday’s events included was the fantastic parade, a pancake breakfast hosted by the Providence Bay-Spring Bay Lions, the heavy draft horse pull, judging of livestock, a soap box derby, 4-H showmanship, the ‘kids zone’ grit and glitter trick rider Alyssa Remenda, children’s races and games, Manitoulin’s Got Talent, the midway (of course) and the Saturday night musical entertainment which featured Sidecar Willy and the Mojo Kings, Nate Haller, and the Canadian Country Music Association entertainer of the year Jade Eagleson, all in concert at the Lone Pine Stage.
