Memories from the 2019 opening ceremonies as the committee prepares for the 2022 fair. Courtesy Photo

AVONMORE – The 2022 Avonmore Fair will be held from Fri., July 15 to Sun., July 17, 2022. The event is hosted by the Roxborough Agricultural Society (RAS) at the fairgrounds in Avonmore. 

“The fair is a place to celebrate agriculture, competition and community while enjoying time with friends and family. We are very excited to welcome everyone back to the Avonmore Fair!” commented RAS president David Wattie.  He said the Society has been looking forward to the time when an in-person fair could be held and mentioned how once the provincial pandemic restrictions were lifted earlier this year, planning began immediately for the 2022 Avonmore Fair. 

In addition to a Farmer’s Olympics and a dance with The Country Lads on opening day, throughout the duration of the fair Air Bounce Adventures will be providing inflatable activities which include “bouncy-castles, obstacle courses and challenges.” When asked about cattle shows, Wattie replied that this year there will be 4-H dairy, 4-H beef and an Open Beef Show.  

The entertainment line-up for the fair includes “the MacCulloch Dancers, the MacLeod Fiddlers, a children’s talent show, petting zoo, Stewarts Glen, the Joyce Bender Band and the Ken Holland Band,” explained Wattie.  Wayne Rostad will be performing at the fair on Sun., July 17 and the RAS is planning a roast beef dinner on the same day.  

Always a fair favourite, most of the homecraft categories are back this year, with Wattie mentioning there are some new categories including honey and maple syrup.  Information on the Homecraft Division is available on the fair’s website.

The Avonmore Fair marked its 160th anniversary in 2020, with a celebration unable to be held as that year’s fair was cancelled due to pandemic restrictions.  In 2020, local historian and author Murray Barkley wrote “The Roxborough Agricultural Society and Its Exhibition” to commemorate this historic milestone.  The RAS is hoping to incorporate the anniversary celebrations into the 2022 Avonmore Fair. 

As with many community organizations, volunteers are an integral part of the RAS.  Wattie explained that some of the long serving RAS volunteers have decided to retire and the organization is seeking new volunteers.  “Some roles are small, and some are large, but everyone’s skills, time and experience is valuable and very much appreciated,” commented Wattie.  He thanked the volunteers who assisted the organization during the pandemic period, noting how “even in a pandemic, there is grass to cut, bursaries to give and plans to make.”

Information on the fair and upcoming fundraising events such as the annual fish fry on Sun., Aug. 14 is available on their social media pages and website.