The Fergus Fall Fair may be one of the oldest fairs still operating in Ontario, but organizers say it’s not too late to get younger generations involved.
That is why this year’s focus has been to triple the agricultural awareness tent and expand the touch-a-tractor event.
Both events will give teachers and kids a hands-on learning experience that fair officials say is important for future growth of the agricultural industry.
“We’ve got to educate the public on where their food comes from, what the farmers do on a daily basis,” says Fergus Fall Fair president Andrew Taylor.
In the agricultural awareness tent, commodities grown in the area will be on display. Each of these groups are provided by Farm and Food Care Ontario, a non-profit coalition that represents Ontario farmers and businesses.
Once in the tent, teachers, parents and young people can go through different stations showcasing the process of how the crop is grown – all the way to the kitchen table.
For example, Taylor says, at the end, “kids get to leave with a soybean plant that they plant themselves.”
With an overall decrease of family farms, according to Taylor fewer and fewer people have the opportunity to interact with the process of farming.
“It’s why we need to keep these fairs going,” he says.
It’s also why Fergus Fall Fair organizers focused on bringing back and expanding the touch-a-tractor event.
Local implement dealers in the area will offer different types of machinery with which fairgoers can interact. The event provides youths with the opportunity to see how the machinery works and learn how to operate them.
New events
The major attraction at this year’s Fergus Fall Fair is the Extreme Bike Show taking place on Saturday and Sunday featuring Jordan Szoke.
According to the roadracer champion’s official website, “Jordan holds the record for the most Superbike Championships in Canadian history with 12 in total…”
At past fairs the main entertainment events have included a lumberjack show and Canadian Cowgirls musical dressage performances.
“Every other year we try and get a different major attraction just to keep people interested and wanting to come back to the fair,” Taylor says.
The decision was made to bring on Szoke as the main attraction “to try to appeal to the younger crowd generation to get them to come out to really see what the fall fair is all about,” Taylor says.
Originally from Lynden, Ontario, Szoke started his career as a road racer at the age of 15. At the time, he was the youngest road racer to receive his license.
Just a year later, Szoke won his first national championship. Two years ago he was inducted into the Canadian MotorSports Hall of Fame.
At the event Szoke will perform what are called observed motorcycle trials, a non-speed event that uses an obstacle course. Racers that perform observed motorcycle trials must complete without placing a foot on the ground.
Mini ninja course
Another event added to this year’s roster is an event that will see kids competing against dogs. In the mini ninja course, kids will race against dogs in an obstacle course.
The mini ninja course starts at 11 am on Sunday, Sept. 16.
