Nelleke Nieuwenhof
CVR Journalism
Excitement can be felt all around the Valley – especially in the Huntingdon area for the 194th edition of the Huntingdon Fair. The long weekend of activities returns after a two-year hiatus and is set to take place from August 11 to 14 at the Huntingdon Fairgrounds.
The Huntingdon Fair is the second-oldest fair in Quebec, and without a doubt provides the community with an outdoor learning experience and a chance to promote agriculture. It is also a means to entertain locals and grants them the possibility to socialize with their Valley neighbours. “The significance of the fair is to bring the community together and learn about 4-H, agriculture, and – most importantly – to have fun,” says Wanda Helm, who is one of several members of the fair board committee.
Helm states that the Huntingdon Fair board needs to plan a year in advance, and that it was challenging to do so in the unpredictable pandemic context. Luckily it is apparent that the fair can always count on its many sponsors who are willing to lend a helping hand and are continuing to support the fair during these times of uncertainty. According to Helm, sponsors and grants keep the fair going, along with the generous and dedicated volunteers who donate their time and effort throughout the year as well as during the weekend of the fair. “If everyone was paid for all that they do, there would be no fair,” says Helm.
This year there are a few new projects being investigated to improve the quality of the fairgrounds, but nothing is set in stone yet. “What we do know is that there will be a new refreshment stand that is made from a grain bin, that was built last year for the fair and still has yet to be used. The fair committee also has some plans to paint roofs and buildings, and to do an upkeep on any bleachers that need to be repaired” says Helm.
The 2022 edition of the Huntingdon Fair aims to be just as enticing as in pre-pandemic years. Fan favorites such as the Association Sportive de Tires de Tracteurs du Québec (ASTTQ) tractor pulls and the demolition derby will be held, as well as the traditional 4-H Showmanship and Cattle show, the horse show, and the Shave and Save event which raises funds in support of cancer awareness. Patrons will also surely enjoy the return of the volleyball tournament, and live music which will feature local band Power Play on the Saturday night. As always, Huntingdon 4-H will also be serving up some cool treats in support of youth activities.
People can expect a fair that is affordable for families as the midway rides are included in the admission price, and there are activities such as pony rides for the kids and places of discovery for families throughout the fairgrounds.
Events kick off with the traditional parade on Thursday, August 11 at 7 p.m. Information about the Huntingdon Fair can be found on the fair’s website, foirehuntingdonfair.com, where you can also purchase weekend passes.
