The 174th annual Owen Sound Fall Fair concluded on Saturday, wrapping up the three-day event with a demolition derby.
“The demolition derby is usually the highlight of everyone’s day. That’s why we end the three-day fair with the demolition derby most often, and we have for years because it’s a crowd drawer,” says former president Hilary Breadner. “People just love it.”
Breadner went on to say that the goal of the event is to educate people on how farming and agriculture were done more than 100 years ago and, at the end of it all, put a smile on every visitor’s face.
The fair also featured an entertainment tent with live music, a cattle show in the agricultural exhibition barn at Victoria Park, amusement rides for families, and tractor pulls on the track.
“We try to cater to as many people as we possibly can,” says Breadner.
A few years ago, the Owen Sound Agricultural Society – which puts on the event every year – created a seniors afternoon. This year’s event featured a pepper tournament and live music, drawing more than 100 people on its own.
The educational aspect of the fair is something Breadner always strives to keep as a major focus.
“Near and dear to me is to educate the people, try to help create things that are interactive that get people to learn more about where their food comes from [and] learn about local agriculture,” says Breadner.