Fun at the Maberly Fair

Julie Druker | Sep 03, 2015

Furry, four footed, four wheeled, and 4H are just some of the family-friendly words that brought plenty of smiles and loads of laughter to the participants and guests at one of the oldest old-fashioned fairs in these parts.

With this year's theme of sheep and goats, there was no shortage of four-footed animals to behold with numerous riders, and junior and senior 4H Club members competing in a number of animal classes that included the horse show, as well as calf, sheep, swine, poultry, fowl and rabbits classes.

Not to be missed were the horse and pony pulls and new this year was a special rabbit agility demonstration put on by members of the 4H rabbit club of Lanark under the direction of Bev Sevard, coordinator and rabbit and sheep leader for the 4H Club of Lanark. The demonstration involved the rabbits being led on leashes by their owners through an assortment of ramps, hoops, and teeter-totters. The rabbit owners spent six weeks practicing for the demonstration, which was one of their achievements. 4H beef leader Julie Dawson said the fair gives the young 4H beef members who participated a chance to learn and show their animals and is a reward for the hours and hours of time they put in leading up to the event.

As always the zucchini races were a major attraction for youngsters and oldsters alike. Wayne Wesley, who founded the race, which has been steadily growing in popularity year after year, manned the starting line and said he was thrilled to see the 40 entries this year, the most ever.

A stellar line up of live musical entertainment took place on the outdoor stage, including Hermann Amberger, Tony Leduc, Jessica Wedden, Fiddlers & Friends, and Tony Davy and Cathy Battison. The out buildings on the grounds were overflowing with a colorful bounty of produce, baked goods, comestibles, a huge assortment of arts and crafts comprising hundreds of exhibits. A vendors' alley also showcased many interesting exhibits that included alpacas from Silent Valley Alpaca near Ompah, a petting zoo courtesy of West Wind Petting Farm of Westport, and psychic readings by Marilyn of Kingston. Guests of all ages took part in numerous games. and prizes were awarded to the oldest and youngest guests, the farthest traveled, the longest married couple and more. The owners of the Fall River Restaurant in Maberly prepared the delicious dinner hour meal. Congratulations to the Maberly Agricultural Society and to all the coordinators , volunteers and donors who work so hard to continue to make the Maberly Fair such a treasured and worthwhile event.