Milford Fair

Large crowd fills the Milford Fairground

A glorious late summer day brought hundreds of people to Milford for the 76th annual Fall Fair. A pipe and drum band from 8 Wing in Trenton led the parade followed by an assortment walkers, cyclists and drivers as the parade made its way to the fairground. Parade watchers were offered a tasty tomato treat from Vicki’s Veggies. John Hirsch, president of the fair board and local councillor, welcomed visitors to “the greatest little fair in Canada”. Mayor Steve Ferguson said that it was the second oldest fair in the County, behind the venerable Picton Fair, and noted its origin as a 1946 homecoming for those who served in the Armed Forces.

He thanked Councillor Hirsch for once again ensuring the fair was held on a perfect weather day, and officially declared the fair open. Joyce Minaker and John Hallam presented this year’s Murray Clapp Citizenship Awards to Jacob Found, Don Farrington and Cath Collins.

There were a number of vendors and community organizations present. Myrna Wood and Paula Peel of the Prince Edward County Field Naturalists had their jointly made quilt on display. The quilt is up for auction with the proceeds going to the Hudgin House restoration project. Myrna noted the quilt’s log cabin design became popular in 1865, the same year that the Hudgin House was built. There was musical entertainment from the Brian Legere Trio and Flatlander. There were plenty of food and drink options available, including tea and apple pie, milkshakes from 4-H, Thai food, BBQ sandwiches and Syrian food. Kids’ activities included making a wooden planter box, face painting and Lego model making. There were games for kids—sack race, three-legged race and tennisball- and-spoon race—as well as games for adults: axe throwing, log sawing and nail driving. There were displays of art, craft and photography in the red barn, as well as a selection of flower, fruit and vegetable displays. The dog show attracted a larger than usual number of entrants, with separate awards for small and large dogs, plus a Best in Show that went to Emily for her small dog, Roo. Fan favourite—helped by a big cheering section—went to June and her well-behaved dog, Cricket.