The 163rd annual Beeton Fall Fair rolled into the Beeton Fairgrounds this weekend, with a Magical Midway stocked with kid-sized rides, 4-H livestock shows, an OTTPA-sanctioned Garden Tractor Pull, and thousands of homecraft exhibits in the arena.
Saturday kicked off with the fair parade, on the theme ‘Pumpkin and Spice and Everything Nice” – and the 4-H Miniature Horse Club sent a herd of kids and horses decorated with pumpkins to march down Main Street, along with the tractors, floats and Simcoe County Band.
4-H shows at the fair included beef, sheep and dairy – and the Boys and Girls Dairy Special, for pre-4-H kids under the age of nine.
A record number of tots and calves participated in the Special this year, thanks in part to the sponsorship of CIBC in Bradford. CIBC provided a $10 prize to every young contestant, so that every participant was a winner.
“What an incredible turnout,” said judge Ashley Knapton. “The future is bright in Beeton.”
Knapton also judged the showmanship and conformation classes, awarding the ribbon for Junior Showmanship to Rebecca Lange, Intermediate Showmanship to Emi Lange, and Senior Showmanship to Matt Lange.
Matt Lange was the only entry in Senior Showmanship – “not to take anything away from him,” said Knapton, as she presented the ribbon.
She praised his showmanship, setting up his calf quickly and keeping eye contact with the judge – and he won Champion Dairy Showperson at the Fair, with Reserve going to Emi Lange, and Hon. Mention to Emma Finch, who placed second in Intermediate Showmanship.
Watching the judging was Greg, with granddaughter Ava, only 10 months old. "It's her first Beeton Fair," he said. "She's sixth generation. She's going to be a cow kid."
Other events on Saturday included the Woofjocks Dog Show, a roast beef dinner, and a movie in the park at dusk.
The Beeton Fair continues on Sunday, from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. - with the annual Classic Car, Truck and Motorcycle Show at noon, Beer Garden opening at 12:30 p.m., and a Demolition Derby at 1 p.m.
For details, visit the website.
