Senator impressed with Norfolk County Fair

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The 179^th edition of the Norfolk County Fair officially got underway Tuesday afternoon with a ribbon-cutting at the Simcoe Recreation Centre.

Doing the honours was independent Sen. Robert Black of Fergus, a member of the Senate’s agriculture and forestry committee.

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“It’s an amazing fair you have here,” Black said. “I’m just in awe. The fair is older than the senate of Canada and older than the country itself.

“My favourite part is seeing the happy, smiling faces. And that’s what I’m seeing out there.”

This year’s fair is off to a much better start than the 178^th edition last October. Torrential rain punctuated Young Canada Day morning and afternoon last year.

By contrast, Tuesday’s opening occurred under bright sunny skies amidst pleasant temperatures with next to no humidity.

Debbie Morrison, president of the Norfolk Agricultural Society, spoke of the 17,000 entries at this year’s fair and the powerful economic impact it has on the county.

This year’s fair, Morrison said, will generate $10 million in economic activity before it ends Thanksgiving night. Volunteer groups that help manage parking in the south end of the 50-acre fairgrounds will share in proceeds worth $25,000.

Morrison recalled how fairs like Norfolk’s began in the mid-19^th century as showcases for the latest in animal husbandry and agricultural techniques. The educational component remains a constant, Morrison said, especially for up-and-coming generations of farmers.

“My wish is – in another 179 years – someone stands in my place and speaks of the 358 years of unbroken agricultural heritage,” she said.

Local MPP Toby Barrett spoke of the needs the Norfolk County Fair serves in this area. The 40,000 commercial farms in Ontario, Barrett said, provide 800,000 jobs annually while generating $40 billion a year in economic activity.

Barrett suspected the outpouring of enthusiasm by Norfolk’s students during Tuesday’s Young Canada Day celebration had something to do with labour unrest in the education system that nearly derailed it.

Last week, Norfolk high school students were warned that education support workers across Ontario might walk off the job this week. This raised questions over the potential impact on Young Canada Day.

Barrett noted that the opening day of the fair has been a free event for students since 1927. Nearly 100 years later, Barrett said Norfolk students consider the annual celebration of Young Canada Day as part of their birthright.

“Given recent events, try taking that away from the kids,” Barrett said. “It’s not going to happen.”

This year’s fair will draw about 17,000 entries in a diverse number of competitions. These range from livestock and horse riding to artwork and quilting.

George Pond of Simcoe, emcee for the fair’s opening ceremony for nearly 30 years, says the logistical effort required to bring together the fair together is formidable.

“If we were to bring all our winners here, we would be here till Saturday night presenting them with their trophies,” Pond said.

MSonnenberg@postmedia.com