The 160th edition of the Barrie Fair got underway today.
The Barrie Fair celebrates the area’s rural roots. Past president Bill Gibbins says the fairs of 50 years ago attracted thousands of people with everything from rides to races.
“There were big crowds,” he says. “We had everything they have today- There was a lot people supporting us back then too, both city people and rural people.”
Today’s fair offers more entertainment than ever and while the vegetable contest still draws a crowd. Years ago a first-place victory in the prize pumpkin contest was a big deal, and today it still is for some. The quilt – needlework and handcraft display is growing every year – and this year a sweater is on display for the first time in 51 years.
In 1962 Annie Beaton won first place for her knitted creation. Lynn Kuehn thought it might be fun to enter it again.
“I gave it to the judge to look at but she disqualified it because it had some marks on it, a ring around the collar,” says Kuehn.
Meanwhile, the Simcoe County Holstein Club is celebrating its 75th anniversary at the fair.
“Everybody wants to be the grand champion,” says Kim Nelson with the club.
And even though not everyone can be a champion, the Holstein Club continues to help young people become farmers.
“It enables them to get out and network with other Holstein and dairymen across Ontario,” Nelson says.
The Barrie Fair runs right through until Sunday.
