CORNWALL, Ontario – The 155th annual Avonmore Fair, hosted by The Roxborough Agricultural Society, is running this weekend, starting Friday night at 5 p.m. with free gate admission.
The new Gable Brothers Midway will be in operation, as well as perennial favourites, The MonaLea Petting Zoo and Pony Rides.
The Biggest Barn Dance in the Seaway Valley has eastern Ontario party band, Ambush, hitting the stage at 9 p.m. Advance discount ticket locations are posted at avonmorefair.ca.
Saturday starts early with the 4-H calf rally for both dairy and beef. This is the first 4-H show of the summer circuit and sees competitors travelling from far and wide to attend. Not far from the grass show area is the fenced sand ring which will see taller animals in the form of the colourful Western Horse Show.
The excitement continues in this ring on Sunday with the fast-paced Gaming events.
The agricultural theme is played out for the children in the interactive education area. Hands-on simulation of cow milking all the way to computer generated tractor driving can be seen. The Travellin’ Farmer display, the corn play-box, the farm toy table and the video trailer from The Grain Farmers of Ontario all compliment this area. Be sure to ask about the new “Farm Passport” competition for the kids!
“The Family Fun Fair” will also have another new ag-themed children’s area found outside. The “Pedal Zone” will have brand new off-road pedal tractors to traverse an obstacle course and hay maze.
The official fair opening will be held on the Super Structure Stage on Saturday at 1 p.m. with local dignitaries. Two special guests will be speaking on behalf of major events coming to our area later this year.
In honour of the 2015 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo to be held in Finch this September, the current Ontario Queen of the Furrow, Laura Price will be speaking on their behalf and in honour of 4-H Ontario celebrating 100 years, Kailyn Bromley, the 2015 Ontario 4-H Ambassador has also been invited to speak. September 26 will have Stormont County hosting a special 4-H gala evening in Cornwall.
The stage will be busy all weekend with clown and magic shows for the kids including Goopee, L’il John and Stretch. Music will also be featured by Country Roads and Sunday will have a new animal act show with the Rabbit Athletes & Magic Pet Show. The stage will also host Talent Shows both days with a range from the tiny prince and princess to adult categories. The Super Structure will have high flying crashing and bashing when CWA Professional Wrestling makes its’ return on Saturday at 5:00.
The exhibition hall is always filled with a huge variety of competitive displays. These include school art and displays, flowers, baking and field crops.
All kids aged 15 and under have free gate admission all weekend. Free professional face painting and balloon tying is provided. Another new free activity will be a gigantic rock climbing wall for youth to adult that will operate daily!
Be sure to ask for free daily draw tickets with paid adult gate admission.
Advance discounted midway vouchers are available prior to the fair. These as well as the complete fair program and forms can be found by visiting avonmorefair.ca. or call the fair office at (613) 346-2252.
