Parham Fair Preview

Aug 14, 2024

As haying is finishing up, and gardens are reaching their peak, so too comes the 132nd Parham Fair. As the last Fair in all of Frontenac County, the Parham Agricultural Society has been working hard to continue the tradition of building community through agriculture. This year brings traditional favourites - the Horse Draw, Demolition Derby, Country Fair Games, Vendor Market, and the Cattle Show. The recently added Beer Tent now has all proceeds going right back to the Agricultural Society. But they’re also bringing in the new, welcoming a Mini Horse Show, Antique Cars, and a Fortune Teller this year, and involving more community organizations, with the District 4 Rec Committee bringing in Jumpy Castles, and Central Frontenac Fire & Rescue running a Slip ‘n Slide. “We are so fortunate to have partners in our community who support us,” said President Haley Rose. “The Fair is a time for family, friends, neighbours, and cottagers to come together, celebrate the summer and have a great time together.. 

Throughout their planning meetings, the focus of the Fair Board has been keeping the Fair accessible to the community. Rose says, “Planning always comes back to the priority of making sure everyone can come. We want to make sure that all kids feel equal at the fair - once you’re in the gate, activities are free. We charge a small fee for riding the Mechanical Bull, but otherwise, we want families to just have a great time. Money is tight these days, and we don’t want anyone to worry about that at the Fair. We have terrific local food vendors who offer a range of foods, and because of that, a family of four can spend all day at the Fair for about $60.” As the Parham Agricultural Society is a registered charity, all money from the gate and donations goes directly into the Fair. 

Volunteers for the Fair are also up. While more folks to organize the Fair and be on the Board are always needed, Vice President Jacki Tarasick reports that “we have had a great response for people to volunteer at the Fair. Our young people especially are stepping up, even after their volunteer hours needed to graduate are finished.” This response from youth is likely related to a few new things about the Agricultural Society. Many of the Fair’s organizers, notably the President and both Vice Presidents are teachers at GREC. The creation of Goods Ice Cream & Treats, staffed entirely by kids, has also been instrumental in getting young people involved in the fair. “Other Agricultural Societies are always asking me now we get so many young folks involved,” says Rose. “It helps that we know many of our young people from school. But we also know that if you feel connected to something, you want to give back. And the Parham Fair belongs to all of us.” They do still need more people though, especially to clean up on the 18th. Sign up is still available on the website.

The Parham Fair starts tomorrow, Friday August 16th, and continues through Saturday the 17th. The gates open at 4pm for the Slip ‘n Slide, Pet Show, Frog Jumping, Horse Draw, & Beer Tent, as well as drop off for the Palace Homecraft competition. Saturday, the gates open at 9am for the Cattle Show, Mini Horse Show, Petting Zoo, Mechanical Bull, Fortune Teller, Pony Rides, Country Games, Musical Entertainment, Beer Tent, Jumpy Castles, Vendor Market, Antique Car Display, and the Demolition Derby. You can get more information on the website or on Facebook. See you at the Fair!