There were many different activities to keep the kids busy during Dairyfest, everything from Mario carts to Lego car races, but the main floor of the arena housed many inflatable structures that were very popular. Tinkess Photo

WINCHESTER – For as long as I can remember, Winchester has been known for Dairyfest. In 2024, it is known for many other events as well, Meet Me on Main St., and Bike Night to name just two. For many people, however, Dairyfest is the thing that brings so many people back year after year.

That’s not to say there haven’t been changes. There have, but it appears that changes have been met with approval. The secret, it seems is to provide different activities for different ages and spread this across three days. Not an easy task, but something the Dairyfest organizers have managed to accomplish. A Fortnite tournament, for example, returned this year, which pleased gamers. Need something for a younger group? There was a Teddy Bear picnic presented by Mini Maestros with one picnic for those under two years and one for those over 2 years.

On Saturday and Sunday face painting and balloon modelling were on offer as were games with the Boys and Girls Club and music for all ages, courtesy of Junkyard Symphony.

On Sunday kids were able to bounce to their hearts content at the Tribeck Inflatable houses that  were available inside the arena along with a climbing wall outside, Mable the cow, Rick Ranch Petting Zoo, were onsite and Mario cart races (with remote controlled vehicles) and Lego car races were located upstairs for those who were looking for a tactile experience and air-conditioned comfort.

In case you were thinking that this was an event just for kids, you’d be wrong. On Friday evening there was an open mic and Beer Garden. Saturday combined the ever-popular Garden Party Market with all its vendors with Dairyfest, and there was also a full tractor trailer filled with cheese (many different types were available.)

Sunday, another successful Dairyfest would wrap up, but not without a classic car show presented by the Highway 43 Car Club. The big event of the afternoon, however was the tractor parade, an annual event led by local farmer John Cinnamon, who leads a parade of tractors through the streets of Winchester and past the front entrance way of Dundas Manor, allowing the residents, who are all gathered for the event, the opportunity to reminisce about the equipment which may have been a part of their life  once upon a time.

Winchester is changing and will continue to grow well into the future. Through events like Dairyfest, residents new and old, and visitors can connect with the community spirit that makes so many people happy to call it home.