ERIN – Locals showed off their “Country Routes and Rubber Boots” at the Erin Fall Fair over the Thanksgiving weekend, with people travelling from near and far to check out the wide range of entertainment offered by the Erin Agricultural Society.
It’s an entirely volunteer-run event that had record breaking attendance every day this year – with nearly 16,000 people passing through the fair gates on Oct. 12.
Erin Agricultural Society president Sara Parkinson told the Advertiser she felt “very happy with the board and volunteers to be able to handle that influx of people.”
The fair typically sees around 10,000 attendees per day, she noted.
The attendees were a multicultural group, with a “great mix of local people” as well as attendees who travelled from other areas, including Brampton, Mississauga and Hamilton, Parkinson said.
“We love to share what Erin is all about with everyone.”
Volunteers
Parkinson described the volunteers and directors as “absolutely amazing.”
The Erin Fall Fair is a registered charity, Parkinson noted, so “none of us get paid – we are all donating our time.
“To see hundreds of volunteers give up their Thanksgiving weekend to be at the fair, working probably harder than they do at their actual jobs,” means a lot, Parkinson said.
“I’m so thankful for each and every one of them.”
Lawnmower pull
A highlight for Parkinson was the lawnmower pull, which the fair did differently this year with two tracks side-by-side, something she said is not often seen outside of Michigan.
“That was pretty cool to see,” she said, as although the lawnmowers weren’t necessarily pulling against each other, it made it seem like it was racing, adding excitement to the pull.
Drone show
Another highlight was the drone show, she said, which fair officials opted for instead of a fireworks display this year.
About 100 drones danced to the beat of country music, flying above the fairgrounds forming images including a butterfly, chicken, horse and needle and thread.
For Parkinson it was “so awesome” to see new technology on display at a fair that is so old – in its 174th year.
The decision to switch from fireworks to drones was in part due to complaints about how fireworks can be scary and loud, particularly for dogs and other pets, Parkinson said.
It was also part of an effort to “keep up with the times and keep things fresh.”
