Columnists
The Picton Fair
I grew up in Picton and every September we eagerly anticipated the Picton Fair. The Picton Fair website states that this is one of Ontario’s oldest agricultural fairs, presented by the Prince Edward Agricultural Society (established 1831) and held annually at the Picton Fairgrounds with the first fair taking place in 1836. When I was a kid there was a parade of elementary school children that opened the fair. We’d walk from Queen Elizabeth School on Barker Street to the fairgrounds. I remember that the mayor would then give a rather boring speech before the fun began.
Earlier editions of this column recounted the story of when it started to rain while Uncle Jess and I were at the top of the Ferris Wheel. My Great Uncle Jess Mason (my mother’s mother’s brother) and I would go to the fair each Saturday. I think he secretly hoped I’d meet up with a friend that would go on the rides with me. When I did, Uncle Jess paid for us both of course.
The year that the Ferris wheel quit working with us at the top Uncle Jess kept his happy face on and I don’t remember him acting concerned at all. When it began to rain we huddled together and made the best of it. As a teenager I no longer went to the fair with Uncle Jess. With such things there is no decision made—the tradition just fades away. What hasn’t faded are my memories of good times with my Uncle Jess.
New traditions were established over the years including Friday nights at the fair to see the exhibits. Later we went to see the tractor pull with friends and still later on we sat in their hot tub on Friday nights and listened to the tractor pull. They lived only a few blocks from the fairgrounds.
Our kids have their own memories of the Picton Fair, first with us in tow and later on with their friends. When grandkids arrived on the scene, Grampa and I would take the triplets to the fair every year. They’d enjoy the rides and the animals. Traditions change and this year Marley, Eli and Leah were away for the weekend and missed the fair entirely. I was worried about whether I’d be able to climb into the Scrambler with Gauge but they didn’t even have that ride this year. They brought a similar replacement, but the height restrictions meant that we didn’t go on it. This new and improved model didn’t require a person to be a gymnast to get into it. Let’s hope that’s what they bring next year!
Memories of the Fair are to be cherished. When else do kids have a chance to speak to police officers, firefighters and sit in the police boat and fire engine? There’s just so much to do and see it’s almost overwhelming. I actually cut the schedule out of the newspaper and took it with me so we didn’t miss anything. The small horse show and dog show were on at the same time, but were both visible from the Grandstand!
If you haven’t been to the Picton Fair maybe next year is the time to give it a try. Mark your calendar, it’s always held the weekend after Labour Day. Make some of your own memories—with friends or with your grandchildren, nieces or nephews. I’ll never forget that time at the top of the Ferris Wheel with my Uncle Jess.
Debbie MacDonald Moynes is Executive Director of The Prince Edward County Community Care for Seniors Association.
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