PROVIDENCE BAY—A new structure has arisen at the Providence Bay Fair grounds and its promise is positively musical.
“It is going to be a wonderful year at the fair,” said Providence Bay Fair secretary/treasurer and director in charge Dawn Dawson. In addition to all of the favourite events that people have come to expect from the fair (can you say midway?), a new stage has arisen at the grounds along with a 5,000-seat venue. “We have named it the ‘Lone Pine Stage.’”
“The community has really stepped up,” said Ms. Dawson, noting that special thanks goes out to Manitoulin Transport and the Doug Smith Family Foundation who have been especially supportive of the project, as well as businesses. “The support has been phenomenal. A lot of contractors have donated their labour to help make this a reality.”
Thanks to the new musical venue, the Prov Fair is now able to host large-scale concerts, the first of which takes to the Lone Pine Stage on Friday, August 16 are the Studebaker Props at 10 pm (local talent The Islanders start off the music on the indoor stage at the arena) and Saturday Sidecar Willie and the Mojo Twins start things off at 7 pm, followed by Nate Haller at 8:45 pm and Jade Eagleson at 10 pm.
But the Providence Bay Fair has not strayed from its roots as a celebration of all things agricultural and this year things are amping up in that department in a big way when the gates open at 5 pm on Friday.
“We have a huge number of animal entries this year,” notes Ms. Dawson. “That includes sheep, calves and horses.” A large amount of credit for that is the Island’s 4H Club is vibrant and growing, she adds.
The aforementioned midway (by Gable Concessions) will be complemented by Glendale Pony Rides and petting zoo near the horse ring, a Kids’ Zone will feature an inflatable maze, obstacle course, farm toys, corn table and baby area. The exhibit hall, meanwhile, opens at 7 pm with foods and artisan work on display and looking to advance bragging rights to the sky.
Opening ceremonies and speeches start at 7:30 pm on the indoor stage, followed by the annual Fair Ambassador Competition (see the contestants and their bios on Page **).
Family Feud starts at 8:30 pm to keep people occupied until the fair ambassador announcement at 10 pm.
On Saturday gates open at 9 am (but check out the pancake breakfast in the Providence Bay Hall courtesy of the Prov Bay Spring Bay Lions Club).
A quilting demonstration talks place at 10:30 am to 3 pm at the Community of Christ Church at 80 McNevin Street.
The parade theme this year is ‘Back in the Saddle Again’ and starts out at 11:30 am from the beach, then down Muchmor Street to the fairgrounds.
At 12 pm the livestock judging begins, complemented by the Central Manitoulin fire truck and Friends Fur-Ever Dalmatians.
The soapbox derby hits the asphalt on Muchmor Street also at 12 pm and running until 2 pm.
There will be axe throwing, a Sudbury Pipe Band performance, Top Shot Hockey featuring an electronic hockey net, mini rink zone and Skee-puck Game.
At 1 pm, it’s the 4-H Showmanship competition while Missy’s Groovy Little Band provides musical entertainment.
At 2:20 pm Grit and Glitter trick rider Alyssa Remenda will perform in the horse ring before the horse pull.
Sunday the fun continues with a light horse show, the Farm Olympics at 1:30 pm, Nettish Band, a reprise of the trick riding performance at 1 pm and the quilt draw at 3:30 pm.
See all of the details and schedule on Pages 16 and 17.
This Providence Bay Fair promises to be one for the history books.
Admission on Friday is $10 for adults, $5 children six to 12 and under five are free. Saturday it’s $20 for adults and $10 for children six to 12 and under five are free, and on Sunday admission drops back down to the Friday rates.
