Saturday will be a busy day at the 158th Drayton Fair, which runs Aug. 8 to 10 featuring a theme of Tractors Big and Small, Come and See Them All.
The gates open at 7:30am on Aug. 9 and exhibits start at 10 am, followed by the heavy horse, goat and dairy cattle shows.
New on the schedule for 2014 is an antique tractor display, which runs throughout the day. All makes of tractors, big and small will be on display courtesy of local collectors.
On Saturday only from 7:30am to 3pm, adult admission prices are $5.
“There is no midway this year so the fair board is introducing new children’s events running from 12 to 5pm. Activities are geared towards children of all ages and abilities,” said Arlie Zantinge, treasurer of the Drayton Mapleton Agricultural Society.
Dobben’s True Value Hardware is sponsoring a colouring contest for this year’s fair. Winners of the contest will be announced during the demolition derby on Sunday at 2pm. Children are encouraged to come and play in the Mar-Span /Nieuwland Feeds’ Corn Boxes.
Games co-ordinator Angie Culp has games planned for children of all ages at the ball diamond.
A professional face painter will be on hand to lend a creative touch to the fair. There is no charge for face painting. For a minimal charge, a petting zoo, pony rides and three bouncy castles will be located near the exhibit building.
Fair board member Natalie Green notes organizers are looking for live music featuring local talent. Performances run from 12 to 6pm on Saturday in the music tent and musicians are encouraged to join in the fun. For more information call Green at 519-638-5093.
Also on Saturday, at 1pm the garden tractor pull will begin, followed by the pet show at 2pm and baby show at 4pm.
The OTTPA Tractor and Truck Pull has been moved to Saturday night beginning at 6pm.
The modified farm tractor 8,000 class starts the competition. The last class of the night is super modified 4×4 pickup truck and tractor. Weigh-in time is 4pm.
Admission prices for the fair are adults $10; 12 and under free. Weekend passes for adults: $25. Family passes, new to the fair this year, are $25 for a family of four.
Volunteers are always welcome, fair organizers note.
