The Drayton Mapleton Agricultural Society is continuing Canada 150 celebrations in Mapleton Township at the 161st Drayton Fair.
The theme for this year’s fair, set for Aug. 11 to 13, is Canada: Growing Forward 150 Years.
“Every year we strive to offer the events you have come to expect and at the same time offer some new and unique features. Especially this year as we celebrate our great country’s past and exciting future,” said society president Jim Zantinge.
New to the lineup at this year’s Canada-themed fair are events suited to fair-goers of all ages.
From 10am to 3pm on Saturday, Carquest Auto Parts stores from Elmira, Fergus, Arthur and Erin are sponsoring a Modern and Muscle Car Show. Show organizers are seeking individuals interested in displaying their modern or muscle car or truck at the fair.
For the child in everyone, a Bubble Zone will be set up at the fairgrounds on Saturday from 12 to 4pm. The Bubble Zone is a designated 14-by-14 foot area where the young and young at heart can blow bubbles. Bubble machines allocated to the area are capable of filling the grounds with thousands of bubbles. Bubble wands will also be available for individuals who choose to blow bubbles without the aid of a machine.
New to the Drayton Fair on Sunday at 12pm is an opportunity for fair-goers to take a ride in a monster truck. Murray Marquardt of Harriston is bringing “The Sheriff” monster truck and will be offering rides for a nominal fee.
Fair board members are challenging pie lovers over the age of six to an old-fashioned pie eating contest at 12:30pm on Sunday. A variety of cream pies provided by Drayton Freshmart will provide the fare for the event. The winner will be awarded a prize and the title of Pie Eating Champion 2017.
Smash Bros Demo Derbies of Grand Valley is organizing this year’s Demolition Derby on the track at 2pm on Sunday afternoon.
Heats include best decorated, four-cylinder figure eight, six/ eight cylinder demo, half-ton pickup truck demo and mini smash.
The prize purse this year has increased to $4,000 with the feature car prize at $800. Smash Bros are encouraging local residents to get their vehicles ready for the derby.
Under the grandstand, inside the Purple Palace, 14 local vendors will sell their wares on Friday from 5 to 10pm, Saturday 10am to 10pm and Sunday 11am to 3pm.
Many unique items will be on offer from vendors such as Thirty-one, Pampered Chef, Scentsy, Epicure and Mary Kay.
Home baking will also be available while quantities last.
Exhibitors in the Horticulture, Culinary Crafts, Leisure Arts and Crafts and Youth Exhibitions are asked to note the special Canadian-themed classes in honour of Canada’s 150th birthday.
The fair board welcomes back its regular food vendors plus new vendors offering healthy food options.
All events will be held at the Drayton Mapleton Agricultural Society’s Fairgrounds located at 49 Elm Street in Drayton.
Admission to the fair is:
– adults, $10 ($15 after 5pm);
– children aged six to 12, $5;
– under six, free.
Children’s wristbands can be used all weekend. An adult weekend pass is $30.
More information on the Drayton Fair can be found at www.draytonfair.com or email draytonfair@hotmail.com or contact Jim at 519-503-4682, Amy at 519-993-2646 or Arlie at 519-638-3323.
