The 170th edition of the Metcalfe Fair returned to cap off festival season in eastern Ontario this weekend. The four-day fair presented by the Metcalfe Agricultural Society dates back to 1856 and brings plenty of family entertainment, including antique car shows, games, animal shows and a midway. “All of the families coming together and reconnecting. It’s like a huge reunion every year from Thursday night right through to Sunday. Everybody likes to just get together, reminisce and talk about their memories of the Metcalfe Fair,” said Tanya Zandbelt, president of the Metcalfe Fair. Zandbelt says it’s a great way to join the Metcalfe community together. “I come every year because it’s really fun. The rides are really good,” said attendee Kaylin Jacobsen-Hughes. “It’s just a tradition for us to come every year,” added Abbi Horan. “My favorite part is probably the rides.” Twelve-year-old Molly Quinn participated in the age nine to 12 hat decorating contest, making a hat that represented the Metcalfe Fair for its 170th anniversary. “Every year, I try to do something in the categories. This year and last year, I won the category for a hat in the nine to 12 age group,” said Quinn. “This year, I was commemorating the 170th anniversary of the Metcalfe Fair, so I put different things that involved the fair that I like doing, that I love onto the hat.” Quinn has been coming to the fair her whole life, she said. “Helping out, volunteering at the car show, making things like that, going on rides. It’s just amazing,” said Quinn. The agricultural fair has field crops, vegetables and flowers. Exhibit halls were selling quilts, home baking, jams, wines, maple syrup, honey and plenty of other local products. For many families, the fair marks an annual tradition. “I’ve been coming for probably 45 years with my son first, and now my grandkids,” said Gloria Horan. Ziggy Philpott added: “It’s just a nice way to spend time with some family. “it’s just an enjoyable time to get outside and do something before the winter comes.”
