HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes Advocate, 1997-09-24, Page 4• Page 4 • Times -Advocate, September 24, 1997
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Something for everyone
at the Exeter Fall Fair
By Kate,,Monk
T -A Reporter
EXETER - The weather and attendance held their own for
the weekend's 143rd Exeter Fall Fair as people from south -
em Huron County celebrated their agricultural heritage.
"The fair's meant to be fun for family and friends," said Ex-
eter Agricultural Society President Ruthanne Negrijn, add-
ing it should be educational and entertaining at the same
time.
Friday evening's program kicked off the fair and set the
tone for the weekend.
In his greetings, Member of Parliament' Paul Steckle said
farmers are as vigorous and as anxious to produce more
food. This year, Canada reached $20 billion in agricultural.
exports-__ _
In tying in with the fair's focus on alternative farming,
Steckle observed that several crops and products are.
presentthroughout the county that would not have. been
seen 25 years ago.
The fair showcased the non-traditional crops farmers are
turning towards in the 90's. Displays included Christmas
frees, emu and garlic with experts in their respective areas
of farming.
. Thii.highlighf of Friday night was the crowning of Kristina
Cowell as the ambassador of the fair. In the public speak-
ing portion of 'the competition, all three contestants' dem-
onstrated they have a clear sense of the value of ag-
riculture and the importance of farmers.
The program promoted local talent with the Hartmans,
area cloggers and a fun event to raise money for service
organizations.
Several activities were added to the fair's traditional line-
up. Children's programs on Saturday afternoon included
face painting, ice sculpturing, a clown show, pet show,
olympics and the midway.
A ladies program was also added featuring reflexology,
pumpkin painting, cooking with alternative foods, make-up
and landscaping demonstrations.
Negrijn was pleased with the number of floats in the Sat-
urday morning parade. She said with Friday's rain, many
businesses probably decided not to build floats.
Debby Wagler, in charge of the school division, said there
were 1,768 entries in the school competitions.
"There were very busy, hard workers. Many area teachers
encouraged entries."
Nine school classes took tours through the site on Friday
morning to give children an appreciation of how things are
pulled together.
Sunday's special midway pass (unlimited rides for $10)
filled the area with families.
Negrijn said .the fair is definitely. a volunteer effort. Nearly
100 people were involved in Friday's set up and judging
while many people worked on the fair throughout the year.
From the homecraft exhibits to the livestockcompetitions
to the fresh cut fries, the Exeter Fall Fair was a community
event where people from Exeter and the surrounding town-
ships enjoyed the best that agriculture and country life has
to offer.
Jumping for Joy. Below Carrie and Lindsay Powe are
seen having a riot in the balloon house.
Top left. Clowning around with, from left. Beth Hundey. Bethany Wagler, Danielle Long. Jonathan Wagler and Jonathan
Thornton.
Top right. Sheep displayed in the alternative farming.
Below. The winner of the best family float and best focus on alternative farming float was the Cooper Family Float.
Below. Emu in the alternative farming.
Right. Jillian Collings (last year's ambassador) crowns
new ambassador Kristina Cowell.
Bottom right. Elaine Bogart and Deb Campbell at the
cooking demonstration.