Because of COVID-19, the Metcalfe Fair did things differently this year. The fair was stationary while visitors drove through it looking at all of the displays. Many of the traditional fair competitions still took place only virtually. Here the fair celebrates its official opening. Courtesy photo

METCALFE – Restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic may have changed how the 164th Metcalfe Fair was organized, but it didn’t stop the community from enjoying a weekend of family fun and entertainment.  Included in the weekend event were Drive-in Movie Nights on Friday and Saturday, Opening Ceremonies, Barn Quilt Unveiling, a Community Drive-Thru on Sunday as well as a decorating competition and several virtual competitions. Virtual competitions included a Virtual Family Division Competition, Virtual Open Junior Beef Show, Virtual Baby Show and a cross Canada Virtual Fiddle and Step Dance Competition.   

The 2020 Metcalfe Fair featured two Drive-in Movie nights held on Oct. 2 and 3, with attendance ranging between 55 and 65 cars both evenings. Reports indicate those attending seemed to have a good time at the drive-in and left people wondering if this would be a new part of the fair.  

On Oct. 3, the fair was officially opened and the 32 Barn Quilts, decorating the Agricultural Hall on the Fairgrounds were unveiled. On the fair’s Facebook page, the quilts and their stories are posted.  Agriculture has always been an integral part of the Metcalfe Fair and this year, there were several livestock competitions held in keeping with this tradition.

One of the highlights of any fair is the Baby Contest, and this year the Metcalfe Fair hosted a virtual Baby Contest. Cheryl Sullivan, office administrator for the MAS, commented each participant in the Virtual Baby Show will receive a certificate with categories including “Cutest Chubby Cheeks, Best Dressed, Cutest Smile and Best Hairdo.”