MANITOWANING—The 149th edition of the Manitowaning Fall Fair attracted a good-sized crowd to the Assiginack community centre arena on Friday evening.
A number of vendors were set up and a massive number of exhibits, many festooned with ribbons, were there for public perusal.
Before the opening ceremonies launched this year’s edition of the venerable fall fair, attendees were able to take part in a cakewalk. For the price of a mere dollar ticket, participants walked around a group of numbers laid out on the floor as music played. Once the music stopped, a mad scramble to stand on one of the pieces of paper bearing a number took place—with the successful player taking home one of the cakes.
photos by Alicia McCutcheon
photo by Alicia McCutcheon
“This is our 149th fair,” said Alice Pennie, president of the Assiginack Agricultural Society, the traditional sponsors of the fair. “Next year is 150, so it’s going to be a bigger one,” she assured the crowd.
“I want to thank all the directors, the volunteers, exhibitors, vendors and everybody who’s attending the fair,” she said. “Thank you for coming.”
Ms. Pennie noted that there would be a host of things to see and do, both during the Friday opening and on Saturday. “I hope you can come,” she said. “They’re going to have butter making to teach each other how to make your own butter, Heartwood Mushrooms are coming, and you can make your own kit and grow mushrooms. There will be a spinner coming to show us how to spin like they used to do. Anybody who wants to knit, this is your chance. And a blacksmith will be demonstrating his craft.”
“And for the kids, we’re going to have a kids’ zone set up in the atrium,” said Ms. Pennie. “A single horse pull, which is a bit different, and some Olympics just before the first fall—and, of course, don’t forget the parade at 11 am.”
Ms. Pennie noted that there is also a suggestion box at the back of the hall where “We’d like some ideas,” she said.
Assiginack Mayor Brenda Reid delivered words of welcome as well. “Good evening everyone and welcome to the 149th Manitowaning Fall Fair,” she said. “I’d like to take a moment to thank the volunteers that have this fair going for so long in our town, and we’re all looking forward to next year, the 150th. It’ll be wonderful. I’d also like to thank all the exhibitors. I think I’ve been through every one of them and they’re all wonderful. I don’t know how the judges ever would choose between them. So ,everybody sit back, enjoy the music and have a good time.”
One of the favourite events at the opening ceremonies is the crowning of this year’s Tea Biscuit Queen. “This is a friendly competition over tea biscuits,” explained Master of Ceremonies Madeline Sparham. “Two ladies have been crowning each other for a few years; one lady claims to be the matriarch. So tonight, we are going to have a special tribute to the new queen, actually.”
The crown was duly delivered by the official crown bearer, and this year’s tea biscuit queen, Jackie White, was called to the stage for her coronation.
Last year’s winner, Grace King, came to the stage to put a special touch on the crowning ceremony, bowing deeply before the seated Ms. White after settling the crown upon Ms. White’s head.
Following the crowning, local musicians such as the incomparable Al Ryan (who doubled as sound technician for the event) and the collective Down Yonder provided an evening of musical entertainment.
