ERIN – Despite the cancellation of the Erin Fair, officials say activities and fundraisers will continue.
The Erin Agricultural Society (EAS) board of directors announced on Sept. 18 the fair is launching an online auction – in addition to ongoing food fundraisers.
“Fall fairs in Wellington are community events where friends and families come together and celebrate agriculture and the roots of our heritage,” fair officials stated in a press release.
“It seems we are all adjusting to the new normal in a COVID environment …
“There is no hustle and bustle and very little excitement as fair directors, volunteers and executive are trying to keep their fairs alive during the pandemic.”
The Erin Fair, held annually leading up to and during Thanksgiving weekend, annually attracts up to 30,000 visitors.
The 2020 fair was cancelled on June 7 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since that time the board has held four “very successful” drive-through chicken dinners, each serving over 500 people.
Bidding for the online auction, which while feature over 150 items donated by local businesses and fair directors, runs from Sept. 25 to Oct. 6.
Those interested can register on erinauctions.com to check out the items and services.
Pick-up will be on Oct. 7 and 8 at the fairgrounds in the drive-through lanes.
The Homecraft Ladies are also making their “world famous apple dumplings” and apple and pumpkin pies.
The desserts will also be available for pick-up and ready to bake for Thanksgiving on Oct. 8 and 9. To pre-order call 519-855-9726 or email robin.fairboard@gmail.com.
In addition, the Erin Fair is offering a giant vegetable contest every Saturday in September at Bloom Green on Highway 124.
“Bring your heaviest tomato, largest sunflower head or ugliest anything and win some big dollars,” organizers state.
And the final fair event is a 4H Dairy Invitational Show on Oct. 3 in the outside show ring.
“Although everything is different this year at Erin Fair, our directors, volunteers and fair partners have worked tirelessly promoting our many fundraisers and keeping our community engaged with agriculture,” officials stated.
