HYMERS – As the long weekend approaches, preparations are underway for the 113th annual Hymers Fall Fair.
“It’s a traditional country fair,” said Laura Loan, president of the Hymers Agricultural Society.
“I love the fact that we have stayed true to our roots and we really promote agriculture within the community.”
The fair runs Sunday, Aug. 31, and Monday, Sept. 1, at the Hymers Fairgrounds. It puts rural life front and centre, with horse and cattle shows and other farm animals on display, live entertainment and children’s activities as well as booths from local businesses and vendors.
This year’s theme is "Tailgates and Tractors."
“There’s a lot of wholesome fun that’s there and it’s being able to see what other people are able to do … who’s got the best chocolate chip cookies or who has the best strawberry jam or knitting and crocheting,” Loan said.
“Our exhibit hall is still the way it was years ago. People from all over the community, different communities actually, come out and put their stuff in so that they could win.”
Awards are also given out for prized animals — from roosters to rabbits.
“Families love to go out and see all the animals for sure, especially people that aren’t maybe familiar with the rural lifestyle,” Loan said.
But part of what really draws the crowds is the food, and this year marks the return of the popular turkey dinner, she said.
“The turkey dinner is a full turkey dinner with all the fixings, so turkey, stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, glazed carrots, green beans — of course, you get a dinner roll,” Loan said. “There's a pickle tray and veggie tray, and then there's, of course, homemade pies as well as rhubarb crisp and apple crisp.
"There's all kinds of food down at the dining hall.”
The turkey dinner will take place Monday at the fair. Sunday's main course will be barbecued beef.
The Hymers Fall Fair runs 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday. Admission is $10 for ages 13 and older, $5 for seniors ages 60 and older and $5 for children ages six to 12 or just $1 with a sunflower or zucchini.
For directions to the fairgrounds visit the Hymers Fall Fair website.
