The sky might have been cloudy but the spirits were high during the 2024 Russell Fair. The Robertson Midway provided a lot of fun, with many enjoying the display of tractors old and new. Thompson Goddard Photo

RUSSELL – The 2024 Russell Fair was a success, despite the occasional rainfall, with people able to enjoy the midway with its rides and carnival games, visit with characters from Paw Patrol, take in a livestock competition or have a bite to eat from the food vendors.

The fair began during the afternoon of Thurs., Aug. 15, 2024, and concluded with a catered dinner on Sun., Aug. 18.

“This year proves that rain or shine, everyone loves the Russell Fair.” commented Russell Agricultural Society (RAS) 1st Vice President Bill Andrews. He noted that only three events were cancelled because of the weather, with some entertainment events going forward after being relocated to a covered location.  He mentioned how despite the weather the turnout was good this year, with RAS President Liz O’Gorman-Smith mentioning the fair is “a big team effort.”

An integral part of the fair being enjoyable for visitors was thanks to the work of the patrons, sponsors, entertainers, vendors and of course the 150 volunteers on site of the fair. On behalf of the RAS, O’Gorman-Smith thanked all of those who worked to ensure its success as well as the community for their continued support.

There was a large agricultural component of the fair which included several different types of animals including cows, horses, fowl and sheep for people to view as well as interesting agricultural facts displays in the Big Barn. There was also milking demonstrations there and on Sunday Bruce Bennett of Russell demonstrate the art of shearing sheep and provided an informed and educational presentation on the care of these animals.

The Sheep Show on Saturday and the St. Lawrence Valley Jersey Parish Cattle Show, held on Saturday and Sunday respectively, were held in a large, tented area this year due to the demolition of the Round Barn shortly before the fair began. Andrews explained the Round Barn, a critical location for agriculture at the fair, had to be demolished, with all the proper steps and enquires taken to ensure a tent could be set up in time.

Inside the Curling Club the Russell Village Women’s Institute provided an opportunity to enjoy some refreshments including several different kinds of pie. Throughout the building were numerous displays of agricultural crops, children’s craft entries as well as quilting and baking entries. Fair officials mentioned the Homecraft Division of the 2024 fair had a record number of 1027 entries.

In addition to rides for the youngest of fair goers, there were several entertainment options for families, with Andrews mentioning an extra stage area was added this year, designed to bring in more family entertainment. Dan the Man One Man Band was one of the performers at the stage near the Big Barn and could be seen at different locations throughout the fairgrounds. In fact, Andrews commented how when the rain was pouring down on Saturday morning, the performer raised the somewhat dampened spirits of those attending the fair by his musical performances near the entrance.

There can be little doubt that the sights, sounds and smells throughout the Russell Fairgrounds added up to a fun fair display this year. The rain was unable to dampen the spirits of the organizers and those attending the 2024 Russell Fair.