It must take enormous powers of concentration to memorize the precision routines, look professional and keep a smile on your face, especially on a very warm afternoon. Tinkess Photo

CHESTERVILLE – When the Chesterville Fair opened last Friday, it was obvious that a lot of last-minute work had gone into getting things ready. With the heavy rains the area had experienced in the days leading up to the fair, there was standing water and a whole lot of mud to deal with. However, as has been the history of the group of volunteers who year after year make the effort so that so many others can enjoy the pleasure the fair brings, it was an attitude of “lets get it done”, and get it done they did. As a reward of sorts, the sun shone brightly for the entire weekend.

Chesterville Agriculture Society President Ann Vanderlind kicked things off recognizing several board members and volunteers for their contributions and presented them with a plaque in recognition of their hard work and dedication.

“Thank you very much,” said Vanderlind. “I would like to take this moment to thank a few of our board members, because without you, this would not happen. So, I thank you very much for this. Thank you for spearheading, taking on tasks as well as putting in countless volunteer hours.”

North Dundas Mayor Tony Fraser and Councillor Gary Annable were present, representing the Township. Mayor Fraser spoke of the lasting value of preserving events like the Chesterville Fair.

“My wife, Amy, and I, we grew up at the Chesterville Fair, and so it strikes the heart that it’s still in operation. We still cherish the Chesterville Fair and the improvements that have been made in the past, the improvements made recently, and the continued improvements with the Vanderlinds, I like to say, at the helm, seeking more sponsorships and with their energy.

“It’s important that this Chesterville fair continues. We need to keep hold of the agricultural bloodlines that we all share. Growing up in this community, I look forward to success, continued success with the Chesterville Fair and I’m remiss I haven’t mentioned I’m here with my fellow Councillor, Gary Annable and my wife, Amy. We’re here to help celebrate the opening. I look forward to continued success. And thank you very much, Ann, for taking charge of this event and fighting the good fight.”

Before heading off to help solve the problems that always creep up at an event of this nature, Vanderlind was asked about the key event at this year’s fair, the RCMP Musical Ride. She explained that it was a challenge in making it come to fruition. “We are only one of three in this area to be able to be awarded that,” said Vanderlind. “And it’s a process. I mean, we’ve been four years trying to bring them up.”

It may have been a challenge, but when the magnificent animals and their riders in the traditional red serge rode into the ring, it was instantly all worth it. Estimates may vary, but a scientific calculation (counting the number of people in one set of bleachers and multiplying it by the number of bleachers) would seem to indicate that well over 1,200 people enjoyed the show put on by the horse and rider teams as they carefully navigated their way through the many complex routines.

One person in the crowd was heard to pose the question to her friend “I wonder why they would come here?” The best answer is probably because a group of people cared enough to work hard enough to make it so. That’s why most good things happen in a small town, and hopefully that will continue to be the case.