WHOA Winter 2014 Article
Submitted by: Kelly Counsel-O’Callaghan & Bridget Ryan
Erin Agricultural Society, Equine Committee
The 163rd Erin Fall Fair welcomed visitors from all over the GTA region, and got the attention of national TV Show host; Rick Mercer. Weather was a positive contributing factor; the bright sunny skies and cool autumn temperatures created the perfect backdrop for a family Thanksgiving Weekend outing.
The highlight of the 2013 Erin Fair was Rick Mercer driving a Mini Chuckwagon cheered by an enthusiastic crowd. Or did the mini horse-team, Brenda and Noodles drive Rick? The race along with many other clips from the Fair were featured on the Rick Mercer Report on CBC, October 29, 2013.
One of the equine highlights at the Erin Fair was the Equine Tent which featured live breeds, exhibits and presentations all weekend, and showcased a wide selection of ‘dream stables’—models, which were part of the Stable Building Competition.
Frank Grelo, Dressage Master presented his extraordinary horsemanship skills, along with a quadrille from Grelo Farms. Saturday also welcomed the English Hunter Show, the Gaited Ponies, and The Heavy Horse Draw. Sunday welcomed the Heavy Horse Show, the Welsh and the Open Pony Show attracting a good crowd of competitors. The OMBRA Barrel Racing showcasing the skill and speed of the western riders.
Monday, the popular Gymkhana Show, now called the Open Horse Show, (and allowing adults over 18 to enter) was very busy, pausing for the Rick Mercer Race at noon, then continuing on for the very popular costume class.
The horse-related activities were numerous and popular at the Erin Fair, however for those interested in other areas of agriculture, there was an extensive display of Homecrafts including everything from hand-made quilts, canning, baking, and agri-products in the Exhibits Hall. On the grounds, there was a full midway, Tractor and Truck Pulls, a very exciting and fun Demo Car Derby, and a spectacular Fireworks display. Animal shows and displays included Poultry, Sheep, Goats, and large Beef Show and a large Dairy Show—which all contribute to the Erin Fall Fair, ‘Ontario’s Preview to the Royal’.
So mark your calendars now, for 2014, Thanksgiving Weekend, and be sure to join in the 164th Erin Fall Fair. For more information on how to get involved with Equine Events, to volunteer, participate or sponsor events at the Erin Fair please contact: equinetent@erinfair.ca 519.833.2808 or erinfair.ca