Fall fair promotes ag, provides thrills
Great Northern Exhibition (GNE) welcomes everyone to come out to the 165th fall fair Sept. 23-25.
“We’re really glad that we’re back and that we can have a fair,” said president Joanne Gregson.
The fair is hosted by the Collingwood Agricultural Society, which kept the tradition going during the pandemic with virtual events and contests.
The volunteer based society is “dedicated to the betterment of rural life by the qualitative improvement of all kinds of livestock, handicrafts, flowers and garden produce through the nurturing of a spirit of friendly competition.”
The opening ceremonies are on the Friday night and include the ambassador contests, talent shows, and the Stayner Lions will be holding their Mustang draw because it has sold out early.
The weekend offers pony rides, petting zoo, various horses, cattle, sheep, and a baby show.
“The tractor and truck pulls, and the demolition derby are always a highlight,” said Gregson. “I always like looking at the home crafts, what people can and the ideas they come up with.”
A variety of livestock shows are key components to the fair.
“That’s how we promote agriculture,” said Gregson, adding that is the mandate of the Collingwood Agricultural Society. “So people can actually see live animals on site.”
Even though the fair is going ahead, the education day program which welcomes areas school children on the first day of the event has been postponed for another year by the school board so the Society has opted for a weekend long video based education program. Throughout the weekend, look for a QR code to locate them.
The poultry show has had to be postponed as a cautionary measure due to the avian flu.
Advanced reduced rate midway tickets and adult admission tickets are available at Creemore Foodland until Thursday, Sept. 22. Midway tickets cost $26, which is all you can ride for any one day, a $9 savings.
Regular admission at the gate costs $10 for those 13 and older, $4 for youth 6-12, and children five and under are admitted free. 4-H Members are admitted free admission with membership card. There is free parking on the GNE grounds, at 2220 Fairgrounds Rd. The fair is open from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 23 and Saturday, Sept. 24, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 25.
Student volunteers are needed. Contact Maxine Coutts-Reid at 705- 888-2697.
For the full schedule, visit www. greatnorthernex.com.
