Don’t miss the Parham Fair this weekend

Haley Rose | Aug 15, 2018

The end of summer brings many things, and one of them is the 126th annual Parham Fair, which takes place this weekend, August 18th and 19th, at the Parham Fairgrounds. This year brings new features; Blackrock Climbing’s Obstacle Course, Jumpy Castle, and Cross-Fit Tower. Its not the only way to have some friendly competition with your friends and neighbours – the weekend is filled with events for everyone.

For the kids, a Parham Fair weekend wouldn’t be complete without the egg toss and the pie eating contest. Sure, you might get a little messy, but victory is sweet, and this might be your year. There are many other games to compete in as well. On Sunday’s pet show, show off your dog, cat, or anything you call a pet. Many kids around Parham are spending this week with nets trying to catch the fastest jumping frogs for the Frog Jumping Contest. As memories serve, this is a finely tuned balance of species, size, and instinct! Of course, others are completing their crafts and baking for the Palace competition, right alongside their parents and grandparents.

The Palace shows off all the talent our community has to offer – everything from cookies, and quilts, photography to giant zucchinis. The judging wraps up around noon on Saturday, and a line-up can be seen for anxious competitors waiting to see who has come out on top this year! If you have always thought about entering – this is your year. Memberships can be purchased at Hope’s General Store for $10, which covers all entries. Items for the Palace need to be dropped off at the fairgrounds between 5 -8pm on Friday evening. If you still haven’t purchased your membership, you can also do it when you drop off your exhibits.

The Cattle Show begins bright and early on Saturday. Even if you know nothing about cows, its pretty fun to try and pick the winners. Everyone has worked very hard with their animals to prepare them for the event, and its great to see their hard work pay off. In the afternoon, stick around for the Horse Draw. Choose your favourite team and cheer them on, as the weight is added and added again. Maintaining and training these horses is a labour of love, and watching them work together is always wonderful.

For those new to agriculture, or if you just like seeing farm animals up close, the Livestock Exhibit is located next to the Palace. It features many of the animals raised on the Tryon family farm as well as poultry from Treegap Farm. There will also be someone there to tell you about the animals all day.

New to the fair this year is a Silent Auction and Toonie Raffle. Generous craftspeople and business owners have donated many Community finds honour and strength in traditions such as plowing match by Catherine Reynolds items to bid on. Visit the Fair’s Facebook page to see some of the lots that are being offered and come visit the Palace, on Saturday, to place a bid or play. All proceeds from both events go to the Parham Agricultural Society and will contribute to next year’s fair.

Live music is always a staple at the fair. This year, the music starts at 3:30 and features the talents of several local artists. First in the line-up is folk singer Chris Morris, who performs original work as well as a wide range of popular musicians from Pete Seeger to Bob Dylan. Next up is local favourite fiddle sensation Jessica Wedden, who will be performing with Reilly Donnelly, a talented young country and rock musician. Rounding out the musical line-up is local band After the News, with their folk-rock set. Featuring band members Lee Casement, James Robert Young, Shaun Weima, & Mike Verner, it’s going to be a great way to close down Saturday night at the fair.

Sunday at the fair brings the much-loved Demolition Derby. Run for the second year by Dave Cox and Mitch McVeigh, it features four different classes of automotive destruction. Always a popular event, the entire day of the fair is devoted to the Derby.