As the world becomes more populated, and rural areas more urbanized, events like fall fairs become increasingly important.
That’s according to Bob Bowles, president of the Orillia and District Agricultural Society (ODAS).
“We were self-sustaining. We fed ourselves. Eighty per cent of the population used to live on farms,” Bowles explained. “We’ve changed so much, and now 80 per cent live in towns.”
The society is striving to reconnect the populace with its past as it prepares for the 168th Orillia Fall Fair, running Sept. 7 to 9 at ODAS Park. This year’s theme is “Sew It, Grow It, Show it.”
“This fall fair is important because it’s part of our heritage,” Bowles said of the annual event that is older than Orillia and Canada. “It commemorates how we made our own food, how we made our own quilts, bred our own livestock.”
As the years pass, knowledge of how to be self-sufficient will only become more valuable, he said.
“We need to get back to producing our own food. It’s going to be more significant because we’re going to have to feed more people, with less farmland.”
The element of rural heritage will certainly be on display at the fair — with sheep, beef and dairy shows, as well as the “farm Olympics” — but more modern attractions will also be featured.
“Everyone likes to come out to the midway,” Bowles said.
The midway was missed last year, when it was unavailable. Instead, organizers brought in inflatable attractions. This year, the midway rides and games will be back — as will the inflatables.
While the midway is a big draw for many, especially the younger visitors, other staples of the fair are sure to be crowd pleasers, too. The demolition derby will take place Sept. 8 at 2 p.m. Tractor pulls will happen Sept. 7 and 8 at 5 p.m. The mini-pedal tractor pulls are happening Sept. 8 and 9. Horse pulls will take place Sept. 8 at noon.
“Horses were the livelihood for the farmer,” Bowles said, adding, with a laugh, “The farmer often looked after his horses better than he did his wife and kids.”
Other popular attractions that are returning this year include the singing contest and baby contest. Entrants must be registered in advance. That can be done by calling the ODAS office at 705-325-0353.
There will be plenty of food, live entertainment and kids’ activities, such as face painting, all weekend.
Free bus service to the fairgrounds will be offered throughout the weekend, picking up passengers at the Orillia Opera House, Fittons West Plaza, Legion Complex, Mariposa Place and at the bus stop at the County Fair Plaza.
For adults, admission to the fair costs $8 Sept. 7 and $10 Sept. 8 and 9. Weekend passes cost $20 for adults and seniors. Admission is free for those younger than 14.
For more information, including a complete schedule of events, visit orilliafallfair.com, call the ODAS office or email [email protected].
