4-H achievement in Newington
Rain caused the 4-H Beef Achievement Day Cattle Show to be moved indoors on Sun., Sept. 3, at the Stormont County Fair in Newington. The Confirmation Class, Champion Reserve was won by Amy Van Loon and Terry Ennis took second place. From left are Lori Barkley, Terry Ennis with Dee, Amy Van Loon with Bella, Judge Mariah Wotten and Larry Barkley. More Fair photos inside. Thompson Goddard photo
Michelle O’Donohue
Record Contributor
NEWINGTON – The Newington Fairgrounds opened their gates on Labour Day weekend to large crowds of attendees who came out to celebrate the Stormont County Fair. It was a milestone year for the Fair. While celebrations have been taking place across the country all year to celebrate Canada 150, Stormont County Fair was also celebrating its 150th birthday. The Fair has been running since Confederation in 1867.
Stormont Queen of the Furrow Kayla Manley addressed the crowd during the opening ceremonies on Saturday. Manley spoke of her personal history with the Fair. O’Donohue photo
The Fair made use of the holiday Monday, and boasted four full days of activities. Events included; magic shows, a baby contest, beef and horse shows, and a very popular 3-pitch tournament. Fresh off their time at the Chesterville Fair, Gable Bros. Shows put on the midway, which entertained guests of all ages. There was also great participation in the Homecraft exhibits. The divisions of culinary arts, vegetables, and floral arrangements were particularly well represented.
Former serving presidents of the Stormont Agricultural Society were escorted to the grandstands to take their front place seats for the parade. David Brown towed the wagon by tractor. O’Donohue photo
On Sat., Sept. 2, a large parade was planned with the theme of 150 years of the Fair. The parade did a tour through town, before concluding in front of the grandstands at the fairgrounds. Trucks from South Stormont Fire and Rescue led the convoy. Floats, children on bikes, and antique cars participated in the event. Several of the antique cars carried dignitaries to the main stage for the opening ceremonies. SDSG MP Guy Lauzon was the first to be dropped off. The parade concluded with a float from South Stormont Township. The float was pulled by Mayor Jim Bancroft on a tractor, with Deputy Mayor Tammy Hart, and Councillors Richard Waldroff, Donna Primeau and David Smith in period costume on the float itself.
The Fair’s opening ceremonies followed the Parade. Lauzon started things off with opening remarks. He asked SDSG MPP Jim McDonnell to join him in presenting Fair President David Zummach with a certificate to recognize the work done for the Fair over the last 150 years. Following Lauzon, brief remarks were given by McDonnell, Bancroft, and North Stormont Councillor Jim Wert. The current Ontario Queen of the Furrow, Stormont Princess of the Furrow, and Stormont Queen of the Furrow also joined them on stage. Stormont Queen of the Furrow Kayla Manley spoke proudly of her history with the Fair. She explained that she has never missed a Fair, beginning 22 years ago with the baby contest, winning “chubbiest cheeks”.
The 4-H Beef Achievement Day Cattle Show Showmanship Class was won by Terry Ennis, with Alex Stone taking second place. Pictured here immediately following the show held on Sept. 3 are from left: Lori Barkley, Alex Stone with Day Rouge taking the Blue Ribbon, Red Ribbon winner Terry Ennis with Dee, Judge Mariah Wotten and Larry Barkley. Thompson Goddard photo
Zummach closed off the remarks, and focused on thanking volunteers for their hard work. He also highlighted the two new additions to the Fair this year, the Stormont Dome, and the new horse ring. He thanked the Horil family, and Dennis and Mary Fife for their contributions to the horse ring and the Stormont Dome respectively.
Following the opening remarks, Lauzon presented medallions to recipients from North and South Stormont to recognize individuals for their community involvement and contributions.
Creatively stacked round bales were transformed into a birthday cake to celebrate Canada 150, and 150 years of the Stormont Fair. The Junior Farmers float won first place in the 4H class. O’Donohue photo
The event ended with a ceremonial opening of the time capsule that was buried 25 years ago. Zummach told the crowd that they intend to add new items to the capsule to mark this year’s 150th, and then bury the container again to be dug up in the future.
A weekend of mixed weather did not keep the crowds from coming out to celebrate the Fair, and enjoy the history of this landmark birthday.
