Recognizing this community’s long-standing tradition of fall fairs, the 2011 theme is “Generation to Generation.”
The event starts on a Thursday, with the Sept. 8 beef barbecue kick-off from 5 to 7pm.
At 9am the next day the community centre grounds and hall open for the placing of exhibits.
Inside exhibits and 4-H field crops must be tagged and placed by 11:30am.
Judging of exhibits in the arena will happen between 1pm and 5pm, at which time the arena will close in preparation for the parade.
Participants gather at Arthur Public School along Conestoga Street and at 7pm the parade heads from the school, through town and to the fairgrounds. At the same time, the midway and community hall open in preparation for events later on.
The variety program and opening of the fair begin at 8pm, along with the cake auction, entertainment and fair ambassador competition.
Saturday events start at 8am as the grounds open to receive the livestock exhibits. In addition, the Welsh and sport pony show begins at this time.
The beef and dairy show begins at 10:30am, while the R&R Pet Paradise Disc Dog demonstrations are at 11:30am.
The midway opens at noon, as does the Erick Traplin show. The open dairy and beef shows begin at 1pm while elsewhere on the grounds will be demonstrations in the main hall and a local fire department extrication demonstration.
The Disc Dog show continues at 1:30pm, right before the 2pm baby show. The children’s activity centre gears up at 3pm, just before the 4pm spaghetti bridge building contest.
The chili cook-off starts at 5:30pm, and by 6pm the exhibit halls, including the arena, main hall and curling club will be locked for the night.
At 6:30pm those at the fair can attend the lawn and garden tractor pull or view the back seat driver competition.
Sunday events start with the 11am Western Horse Show and the 11:45am miniature horse demonstration.
At noon the kids pedal tractor pull starts up and by 12:30pm the midway should be in full swing.
Also at 12:30pm the fair hosts a six-man team tractor tug competition. At 1pm spectators and participants can take part in either the pet show and frog jumping competition, or the talent show.
At 1:30pm and 3:15pm, there are miniature horse demonstrations, while others continue in the main hall. At 2pm, there will be another fire department extrication demonstration.
At 3:30pm Arthur’s newest fair ambassador will be crowned.
The arena hall and curling club rink close to public at 4pm to permit removal of exhibits, which are to be picked up by 4:30pm.
President’s Message
Debbie Atkinson writes in her president’s message, “It is an honour to be president and welcome you to the 155th Arthur Fall Fair being held in Arthur, Canada’s Most Patriotic Village.
“On behalf of the directors, I invite everyone to come and experience our hospitality while you browse the fairgrounds, arena, youth palace and main hall. Besides the expected, come experience what new activities, demonstrations and exhibits have been added,” she said.
“From Thursday evening at the kick-off beef barbecue to Sunday afternoon and the naming of the Fair Ambassador, we have something for everyone and every age. Our theme is ‘From Generation to Generation’ and there will be activities supporting this theme. So bring the whole family and make this a family weekend at the fair where memories will be made.”
Atkinson offered a huge thank-you to the many businesses, loyal volunteers and exhibitors who make the fair a success each year.
Ambassador’s Message
In Kelsey Allen’s message in this year’s Arthur Fall Fair book, she said, “An ambassador is sometimes described as a representative who travels from one destination to another to spread a message. What this definition lacks is that the ambassador is actually an average Joe who is given the honour to be part of a society that makes a difference in our community.
“The Arthur Agricultural Society has been an honour to represent and deserves a huge thank you for being a family, friend, partner, and for changing my life,” she said.
“Being a Fall Fair Ambassador has been more than what I originally expected. I was given the opportunity to attend other fairs, represent the Arthur Agricultural Society at the district seven meeting in Elora, be a part of parades, take part in other competitions, and be involved in community events.
“Along with taking part in these events, I was able to create many friendships and long-lasting memories.”
Allen added, “My role as the Arthur Fair Ambassador is coming to an end, but the memories I have been able to create will last forever.
“Thank-you again to all of those people who have been such a pleasure to work with and I hope everyone will come out to see all of the excitement at this year’s 155th year of the Arthur Fall Fair.”
