Fall Fair

Far from Ordinary, Close to Home …

As we have undergone the process of redesigning the website we have been challenged to define and describe Ilderton Fair. Where do we begin? The attractions offered at the fair seem like a good place to start but how do you describe the porcelain pony races or the calf scramble? There is the parade, agricultural and homecraft competitions, the midway, live entertainment and the list goes on While there are lots of things going on at the Ilderton Fair each year it is defined by something much bigger than a three-day event. It is the people and the celebration of community that makes the Ilderton Fair far from ordinary.

Each year hundreds of volunteers converge on the fairgrounds like a swarm of bees and it is their hard work and dedication that make the fair possible. Even more remarkable is that this community has been orchestrating this event for the past 160 years. This is a cause for celebration. We have lots of exciting events planned to commemorate this milestone including publishing a history book and offering special classes at the fair.

Thank you to all the volunteers that make Ilderton Fair happen and keep the Society running year round. It is your passion for community and agriculture that has sustained the fair for 160 years and will continue to sustain it for another 160!

I look forward to seeing you at the fair!

The Ilderton Fair celebrates its 160th anniversary in 2011. The Ilderton Fair has a proud tradition of showcasing the talents of our community. In the Homecraft Division exhibits, the old and the new blend perfectly. It chronicles what is happening in our culture as we retain some of our traditions and add new ones. Some of the skills such as sewing, knitting, crocheting, quilting, canning, pickling, and floral displays were found in the original competitions and are still part of our fair today. The popular scrapbooking hobby, salsa making, recycling themes etc. reflect a focus on the present.

I invite you to participate in our many and varied classes. There is something for everyone. Get involved.

Come browse, admire and enjoy the wonderful exhibits prepared by the talented people in our community and surrounding area. Make sure to stop by our vibrant Junior Work class and see the work of our young people. Their participation adds an extra dimension to the Homecraft Division and the Fair.

Ilderton and area are noted for a community spirit that is amply exhibited through the Ilderton Agricultural Society and its Homecraft Division. The essential component of our successful Homecraft Division is the number of volunteers and the hours that they commit. Our volunteers are the heart of the Homecraft Division and the Ilderton Agricultural Society.

Mark September 30th, October 1st and 2nd on your calendars. Come, enjoy and be a part of a great fall fair weekend!

What an experience! I am truly honoured and privileged to have represented Ilderton and the Ilderton Agricultural Society as their Fair Ambassador this year. I have had so many wonderful opportunities to meet people and made friends from all over Ontario. I will never forget the Fair weekend last year, although a little wet, the crowds still came out to enjoy the parade, midway and agricultural displays, we have all come to love while attending our fair.

My year as Fair Ambassador has enriched my life and taught me the importance of community. It has opened the door to a number of new and exciting opportunities. I am certain that the momentum from this year will encourage many years of involvement in the Ilderton Fair, community, and Ambassador program.

There are many people who have put in endless hours to make this experience possible for me. I owe a big thank you to Joan Edwards for first suggesting me as a candidate, the Ambassadors Committee for creating this opportunity for me, John Szentimery, Melissa Johnson, and the rest of the Ilderton Agricultural Society. It is volunteers like you that give Ambassadors from across Ontario the opportunity to represent our respective fair boards to communicate how important the fair experience is in keeping rural living alive and well in Ontario.

Finally, a big thank you to the communities of Ilderton and Middlesex Centre for your unwavering encouragement. Thank you to my sponsor, Poplar Hill Lions Club, for supporting me this year. Our community is filled with a giving spirit and is personified in the many great volunteers who dedicate their time and effort right through the year to make the Ilderton Fair so successful year after year.