The kids are out of school, and the dog days of summer are upon us.
It’s time for the Drayton Fair.
Perfectly scheduled for the second weekend in August, it’s the ideal family outing, and this fair has it all from A to Z:
A = Antique tractors: The 162nd Drayton Fair features these vintage mechanical work horses all weekend long.
B = Bouncy Castles will be set up both Saturday and Sunday, plus new this year, Bubble Soccer and Bubble Mania will keep the kids busy on Saturday.
C = Cows: Both beef and dairy, the fair attracts “udderly” the best bovines.
D = There’s a brand new Demolition Derby Show on Sunday with a whopping $800 prize for the winning car. Also new this year is the Diamonds in the Ruff Dog Show.
E = Exhibits and entertainment: The fair has plenty of both.
F = Food: Enjoy breakfast and coffee on Sunday morning, plus the fair will have a large selection of food trucks and vendors.
G = Goats: Who doesn’t love a baby goat?
H = Horses, hay and horticulture: Feel the thunder from the hooves of the Heavy Horse Hitch, but not to be outdone, the fair also includes a class for ponies. From hay and grain to horticulture, the fair has plenty of crop and flower exhibits.
I = Infants: Every parent thinks their baby is a winner and so do fair organizers. Infants under a year of age are invited to the Baby Show on Saturday, and all will win a prize to prove it.
J = Jars and more jars: Mouths will water over the best jams and jellies, not to mention jars of pickles and preserves and lots of other delicious pickings.
K = King of the Pull – The best local farm tractor puller from Grand Valley, Drayton, Elora, Palmerston and Fergus Fairs combined is crowned the king!
L = Leisure Arts and Crafts: From art, to sewing, to photography, all creations are on display for everyone to enjoy.
M = Mini Smash: Kids can have a chance to get in on the action on Sunday with a kiddy demolition derby in mini 12V battery operated cars. It’s sure to be a smash, pun intended.
N = NEW: Fair organizers are excited to announce many new events, including an all new Demolition Derby, Diamonds in the Ruff Dog Show, Bouncy Castles all weekend, Bubble Soccer and Bubble Mania.
O = Open: The fair opens for your enjoyment at 5pm on Friday, Aug. 10 for the local Tractor and Truck Pull at 6. On Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 11 and 12, the gates open at 7:30am.
P = Pet Show: For exhibitors under 16 years of age, 12 prizes are offered for furry and not-so-furry companion animals.
P also stands for Pie Eating Contest. It’s so much fun to watch it happen, but even more fun to participate in this gastronomical game on Sunday at 12:30pm.
Q = Quilts: From hand to machine quilted, traditional to new designs, the fair showcases these comforting and colourful works of art.
R = Roots and vegetables: yes, the fair is full of beans! Ribbons and prizes are awarded to prove which veggies beet all.
S = Sheep: Flock to the fair on Sunday for the Sheep Show.
S also stands for sponsors. Organizers can’t say enough good things about the many sponsors who generously contribute to the fair every air without them.
T = Truck and Tractor Pull: The local pull starts on Friday at 6pm, with the OTTPA pull starting at 6pm on Saturday. Feel the roar of these powerful machines as they tear up the track in pursuit of a prize, including the coveted title of King of the Pull.
U = Unforgettable: Many cherished family memories are made at the fair.
V = Volunteers: It is a testament to Mapleton that so many dedicated people come together to create an amazing, world class exhibition. Organizers are still looking for a few more volunteers to help during fair weekend.
W = Wheels: From the Truck and Tractor Pull, to the Demolition Derby and the Mini Smash, not to mention the wagons pulled by the Heavy Horses, the wheels are always turning at the fair.
X = Be sure to mark an X on your calendar for Aug. 10 to 12.
Y = Youth: The fair has an amazing assortment of competitions to inspire the younger generation. From roots and veggies, to baking and writing, the very best pickin’ from Mapleton’s youth will be on display, including 4-H.
Z = Zucchini: Yes, the fair has these too.
Fair books listing schedules, rules and regulations, are available at many businesses in Mapleton.
Information is also available online at www.draytonfair.com or check out the Drayton Fair on Facebook, email draytonfair@hotmail.com or call Arlie Zantinge, 519-638-3323.
