There’s something for everyone at this year’s Fergus Fall Fair, as organizer bring home the message “From farm gate to dinner plate.”
In his welcome published in this year’s fair book, 2011-12 fair president Ted Kent said, “I would like to welcome everyone to our 176th Fall Fair, where we will be celebrating our theme – ‘Farm Gate to Dinner Plate.’”
He added, “To our exhibitors, both new and continuing, thank you for all your enthusiasm. I also would like to say a big thank you to all of the directors, committee people and the many volunteers who all add their expertise to put on the high-calibre show that patrons experience.”
Fergus Fall Fair ambassador Tayler Black added, “It wasn’t long ago that we were celebrating our milestone 175th anniversary fair.
“We will be hosting the 176th Fergus Fall Fair (next weekend) … The farmers in our community, across the province and beyond are important to us, as is the way in which the food we eat gets to our table. I encourage everyone to come enjoy the fun, education and entertainment that this year’s fair will bring.”
As hall exhibits start arriving at the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex on Sept. 13, the “World’s Finest Shows” midway will offer discounted prices on rides and there will be no gate admission that night.
On Friday, both hall and shed exhibits will begin arriving at 9 to 11:30am with judging to begin at noon.
Tractor pulls begin at 6:30pm along with “Four Seasons” pony rides and a petting zoo.
The buildings will be open to the public from 7 to 9pm.
On Saturday, the hall/shed exhibits open at 9am along with the hunter/jumper and Gymkhana equestrian shows.
The pony rides and a petting zoo will be operating from 10am and through the afternoon on both Saturday and Sunday.
The 4-H Livestock Show begins at 10:30am as does the lawn tractor pull.
Returning to Fergus is The Lumberjack Company, with shows at 11am, 1:15pm and 3:30pm.
While that is happening, the Balla Bunch takes to the tent stage from 11:10am to 1pm.
Sheep herding demonstrations with Viki Kidd are set for 11:45am, 2pm and 4:15pm while canines in the Diamonds in the Ruff dog show strut their stuff at 12:30 and 2:45pm.
The beef and dairy cattle shows begin at 1pm.
In the tent stage, Two of a Kind are up from 1:15 to 2:30pm while The Highland Country band is up from 2:45 to 4pm.
Starting off the evening are the modified minis and truck pulls beginning at 6pm.
The buildings close to the public at 9pm.
Sunday gets off to an early morning start with the heavy horse show at 9:30am and buildings opening to the public at 10am.
The antique and classic car show runs from 10am to 3pm.
The sheep show starts at 11am and local farrier Paul Fischbach provides demonstrations at 11am and 1pm.
At 11:30am a pony/dog run takes place in conjunction with Diamonds in the Ruff and Travis Hall Equestrian Centre.
At noon, fairgoers can pick between the goat show, baby show or watching the children’s bicycle/tricycle competition.
Sheep herding demonstrations with Viki Kidd are set for 12pm, 1:30pm and 3:30pm.
The Western Game Show starts at 12:30pm, while sheep shearing demonstrations start at 12:30pm and continue every half hour until 4pm.
At 1pm, one can choose to watch the pedal pull or catch the sounds of Mostly Bluegrass – Nadine and Gary Boles at the tent stage.
Diamonds in the Ruff has another show at 2:30pm.
Meanwhile, the Scott Family of Alma will be performing at the tent stage at 2:40 and 4pm.
New this year is a demolition derby, to run from 3 to 5pm.
At 5pm the hall exhibits are closed to the public with exhibits to be removed from 5:30pm to 6pm.
