GNE fall fair Sept. 19-21

The annual fall fair at the Great Northern Exhibition has been experiencing a boon in popularity these past couple of years, drawing crowds from a wider area, eager to experience country life while taking in some top notch rural entertainment.

“It’s drawing a little bigger crowd all the time,” said Maxine Coutts- Reid, president of the Collingwood Agricultural Society.

In the past two years, the fair has drawn record crowds of 10,000 people, not including all of the volunteers and exhibitors.

As a result, said Coutts-Reid, organizers are working to improve traffic flow, pedestrian safety, parking, and accessibility.

The theme for the 168th annual fair, Sept. 19-21, is blue jeans and country dreams. Fair attendees will likely see the theme tied in to exhibits and contestants are encouraged to have fun with it as well. For example, the theme has been incorporated into the home craft prize list.

Spectator favourites include the Friday night truck pulls, Saturday tractor pull, Sunday demolition derby and the horse events. There’s also a baby show, fiddle and step dance contest and live music throughout the weekend.

When asked about her favourite event, Coutts-Reid said, “I personally, really like watching the horse pull. I’m always amazed at the power that’s there and how those horses respond to their trainer.”

She invites people to come to the opening ceremonies at 6 p.m. on Friday night, with special guest senator Robert Black. The opening ceremonies are on the Friday night and include the ambassador contests and talent shows.

The weekend offers pony rides and a petting zoo.

This year, visitors will notice an improved children’s play area and the return of the poultry and waterfowl contest for the first time since the pandemic. On Sunday, the 4H Club will be leading line dancing for the second year, and new this year, after the step and fiddle contests on Saturday therewill be some time allotted for a jam session at about 5 p.m.

A variety of livestock shows are key components to the fair with cattle, sheep, horses, ponies, poultry, pigeons, rabbits and waterfowl competitions throughout the weekend.