Kate Turner | Jul 20, 2016


On July 18, Owen and Cari Tryon opened their family farm to the public as a fundraiser for the Parham Fair.

The 200-acre farm, located on Wagarville Road, has been in the Tryon family for three generations. “My grandfather bought the farm in 1943 and my father grew up here. Cari and I took it over in 2004,” Owen Tryon told us.

The Tryon family sells produce, pork, chickens, turkeys, ducks, rabbits, beef and lamb, which are all government inspected. Owen and Cari, along with their four children, gave guests a look into their daily lives and routines.

Owen acts as the 2nd vice-president for the fair and said they decided a few weeks ago to put this Family Farm Day together. “We have done a baseball tournament in the past, but it became less and less popular, so we thought we would give this a try. Hopefully it becomes an annual event.”

Kids had their faces painted by Ashley Hickey and ran around with big smiles on their faces after jumping in the bouncy castle or taking a trip down the giant waterslide put up by the District 4 Rec Committee.

They also enjoyed a trailer-ride around the farm behind an ATV and some tried out the pedal tractors that will be used in a new event at the Parham Fair this year; the Pedal Tractor Pull.

Bob Teal of the District 4 Recreation Committee manned the grill at the canteen, where there were barbequed hot dogs and sausages, cold drinks, Black Kettle Popcorn and other treats for everyone to enjoy.

The barns and paddocks were busy with grown-ups and kids taking tours, meeting the animals and learning how a family-run farm works. Pepper the goat was a favourite, as well as the baby bunnies and the border collie puppy, which greeted everyone with a soft, wagging tail and a lick.

Hanny the donkey foal seemed to be the most photogenic of the farm animals and took a shine to the kids looking to give her some attention. With her soft fur, big eyes and big ears, she was a crowd pleaser. “She loves to have her neck rubbed” said Wendy Parliament, the president of the Parham Agricultural Society.

The Parham Fair will be held on Friday & Saturday, August 19 & 20 this year. The schedule includes the cattle show; sheep shearing; hay wagon rides; the popular horse draw; and the Best-Dressed Cowboy & Cowgirl event. There will be baked goods, local crafts and artisans and much more. The midway will be in full swing, and live music will be performed on Friday night by the Old Habits and on Saturday night by One Busted Ego and HD Supply.

There will not be a demolition derby this year, however. “We tried really hard to have it again this year since it is always so popular,” explained Parliament. “We had the sponsors lined up, but it takes a lot of manpower to set up and clean up the derby, especially the clean-up! We need volunteers out patrolling during the event too because we don't want drinking to be a problem.”

The agricultural society is considering having the derby as a separate event from the fair in the future. “We really want it for the community and are always looking for volunteers!” Parliament added with a bright smile.

The Tryon Family will be bringing some of their family farm friends to the Parham Fair. Everyone can meet their sheep, goats, poultry and more from 10am – 4pm on Saturday in the Critter Corral.

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