Springwater News –Week of September 2-2008
MPP DUNLOP-VISIT LOCAL FAIRS

Each year, in my capacity as the MPP for Simcoe North, my wife Jane and I participate in five local fall fairs.

The Fall Fairs are an excellent opportunity for citizens from both rural and urban communities to celebrate the agricultural heritage of rural Ontario.

There are many things to see and do at our rural Fall Fairs for people of all ages. A visit to a Fall Fair is an opportunity to see horticultural displays, horse and tractor pulls, farm livestock displays and competitions, midway games and rides, vendors and exhibitors from assorted organizations along with delicious food sold by numerous groups. Above all, the most important aspect of a rural Fall Fair is the rural friendship and hospitality that is common to rural Ontario.

The Orillia and District Agricultural Society hosts its Fall Fair at O.D.A.S. Park September 5-7.

The Oro Agricultural Society hosts the Oro World’s Fair at the Oro Fairgrounds September 12 and 13.

The Ramona Agricultural Society hosts its Fall Fair September 13 in the small community of Ramona just east of Washago.

The Coldwater Agricultural Society Fall Fair is held September 26 -28 at the Coldwater Fair Grounds complete with parade Friday September 26 at 12 noon.

The Elmvale Fall Fair is always held on the Friday and Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend, this year October 11 and 12 complete with parade at 12 noon on Saturday. Although Elmvale is not part of my riding, Jane and I are always pleased to be asked to participate in the parade.  

As well, this year the International Plowing Match will be held the week of September 15 and the provincial political parties all take part in the parade.

As the MPP for Simcoe North, I have a booth each year in Oro, Orillia and Coldwater, where we hand out fresh Ontario apples as well as useful literature.

If you have the time this year, I would encourage you to visit a rural Fall Fair and celebrate the agricultural heritage of our province and thank the volunteers who donate thousands of hours each year to make our fairs a success.