McDonalds Corners 160th Annual Fair

Oct 03, 2013

Advertised as the “The Biggest Little Fair In Lanark County”, the annual McDonalds Corners Fair attracted old style fair lovers in what never fails to be a delightful experience for all ages. Along with the numerous animal showings and competitions, (horses, donkeys, sheep, goats, rabbits, and poultry galore) plus the main hall brimming with countless entries of veggies, baked goods, crafts, quilts, art and photography, it is the laid back and old style friendly feel that keeps people coming back to this gem of a fair year after year.

This year organizers took suggestions from last year's fair visitors and included a number of brand new categories like fascinators and wood crafts as well as many new painting, drawing and sewing categories for the more modern crafty types. Maple syrup and honey makers also were invited to enter their sweet sauce and this year cattle showings were brought back after a decade-long absence. Ten vendors attended this year, up from just six last year and numerous kids' games were also added.

Fair treasurer Mary Kirkham said that entries in a number of categories were up as a result of increasing advertising. “We basically revamped the whole book and a lot of the categories based on what people wanted and on what people like to make these days."

Local musicians the Long Sault Trio peppered the grounds with their down homey sounds. At the end of day close to 300 people dined on the turkey supper put on by the McDonalds Corners Agricultural Society. Kirkham said the goal of the fair is to bring pride to the community while showing visitors the value of living a traditional agricultural based country life.