Pigs, poultry, ponies and more at the 162nd annual McDonalds Corners Fair

Julie Druker | Oct 01, 2015

There was a definite Charlotte's Web-ian feel at this year's fall fair in McDonalds Corners, which took place on a picture-perfect day on September 26.

The old traditional-style fair, now in its 162nd year, continues to draw those looking for an agricultural based fall fair experience. This year's theme was pigs, and youngsters were thrilled to offer Piggy May, a very friendly five-year-old Vietnamese pot-bellied pig from Westwinds Ranch of Westport, a marshmallow treat.

New at the fair this year were four newborn guinea pigs that arrived just that morning, plus pony rides, donkeys and various achievement categories for members of the the local 4H club. Also new in the main display hall were the added scarecrow and doll category entries.

There were an amazing 250 plus poultry entries this year, including Lady Amhersts, silver and ring neck pheasants, Egyptian and white Chinese geese, various quails, an extensive showing of pigeons and one very pretty golden yellow pheasant. Poultry judge, Jeff Draper of Jasper Ont., who has been breeding and showing poultry for over 40 years, definitely had his work cut out for him as he perused the hundreds of cages, awarding first, second and third place ribbons as well as the overall and reserve champions of the day.

Other highlights this year included the hundreds of creative and impressive entries in the main hall, the light and heavy horse show, the kids' teddy bear contest and pet show and the many old-style games that the children had a chance to enjoy.

Sally Andrews, secretary with the McDonalds Corners Agricultural Society, who together with more than 40 other committee members and volunteers helps to put on the event, said that the fair not only promotes the local agricultural community but also puts people in touch with the community's agricultural roots.

“These days we tend to be losing touch with our agricultural roots and these truly agricultural-based fairs allow the public to get in touch with those things - the animals, the working horses and all the different types of farm animals, and all of the various kinds of chickens and other poultry that you see on a farm. And in the display hall, all of the various arts and crafts, things like canning and baking, quilting, knitting, sewing and the many other creations, some of which are unfortunately becoming lost arts.”

Andrews, who grew up on a mixed dairy/chicken farm in southern Ontario, now raises goats, rabbits, chickens, guineas hens and ducks on a local farm and she is obviously passionate about farming. She was kept very busy answering questions and handing out boxes of ribbons to the various judges but said she was looking forward to leaving her post later and taking photos of the day's events.

For animal lovers who missed the fair, coming up on Sunday, Oct. 18 at the McDonalds Corners Agricultural hall is the bird and small animal auction with entries being received from 7am-10am. Please note that all entries must be boxed with wire fronts. The bidding starts at 10am and both breakfast and lunch will be available. Sales are cash only with a 20% commission. For more information about the auction please call 613-259-3480.