By MPP Bobbi Ann Brady
As I write this column, summer is winding down. The change of season is sometimes melancholy as we say goodbye to another season of beaches, lakes, cottages, picnics, and outdoor fun and hot weather. But the onset of fall means beautiful colours and the delight of festival and fair season in Haldimand-Norfolk. Every year I like to remind everyone the change of season is the end of summer fun and the start of fall festivities.
The end of summer fun for me included attending Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show at Discovery Farm in Woodstock. This is the place where real farmers go. It gave me a chance to listen to the issues facing Ontario farmers (especially those from Haldimand-Norfolk in attendance) and check in with the various groups and exhibitors. Every year it’s an eye-opener to see the latest machinery and keep up to speed with farm technology.
I was also down the road from Haldimand County in Grassie for the International Plowing Match & Rural Expo (IPM). I hitched a ride in a 1952 Dodge Fargo truck from Lantern Lane Farms. I’d say the Fargo was the hit of the IPM parade. But the whole IPM was a feast for the eyes and mind. It never fails to impress me.
We’ve just wrapped up many of the summer events in small communities but coming soon, be sure to go savour the work of our local talented artists, which will be showcased during the Norfolk Studio Tour taking place on Sept. 27 and 28 https://lynnwoodarts.ca/exhibitions/norfolk-studio-tour/. It’s a fantastic display of creativity. Check it out. Plus, back in all its glory is the Caledonia Fair, Sept. 25 to 28. It’s a classic. All that entertainment, the midway, games, baby show and demolition derby. And above all, the fair builds agricultural awareness and education. Be sure to stop by my booth and sign the petition to stop the city of 40,000 at Nanticoke.
Small is beautiful too. We have some charming small fairs that have just concluded including Langton and by the time this goes to print, Donnybrook, and Houghton is on tap this week. These are celebrations of strong communities, proud of their past and rural traditions and it’s important that we support them.
A few boxes along in the calendar, comes the much-anticipated Norfolk County Fair, Oct. 7 to 13. Held annually since 1840, it’s the oldest continuously running fair in Ontario and the second-oldest agricultural fair in North America. Back again are all the animals, school competitions, entertainment, concerts, food and, for the gamblers and the brave, the games and midway. Drop by and say hello at my booth in the southeast corner of the Commercial Building. If I’m not there at that moment, one of my friendly volunteers will be happy to pass along your thoughts.
As we get closer to goblins, ghouls, and jack ‘o’ lantern season, Waterford Pumpkinfest runs Oct. 17 to 19. It offers something for all ages: car show; line dancing; soapbox derby; a craft beer garden; and a new feature, the Walk, Run & Roll costume contest and walk, run or roll distance event; and plenty more. That’s a tall list.
There’s been much to do and there’s more on tap as we head into fall. Summer was great but don’t feel down, around these parts the end of summer fun is the start of fall festivities.
Bobbi Ann Brady is the MPP for Haldimand-Norfolk