Get Ready for a Fling at the Country Fair and its “Salute to 4H”

The Chestermere Community Recreation Center is gearing up for the falling into place of our next season with plans being put in place for the September 14 Annual Fall Fair. This year’s events will be sure to please everyone with delights for both the young and young at heart. The Chestermere Agricultural Society Members and volunteers along with Vicki Klinger and her talented staff at the Rec Center are working enthusiastically and fervently behind the scenes to bring this fair to life.
The day’s events will start off with the parade at 9:30 starting at the Chestermere Lake Middle School and proceeding down West Chestermere Drive to the Rec Center. Klinger said,” This year we are back to the old parade route now that construction has been completed on West Chestermere Drive.” There is still time to join the parade, whether as a youngster decorating a bike, or through one’s business. This year’s theme is “Salute to 4H” so participants are encouraged to use a western theme. “It’s a great opportunity for businesses to get exposure, with something as simple as balloons on a truck and a bit of candy, “said Klinger. “Why not come for the parade and then take in the Lion’s pancake breakfast.”
There are lots of opportunities for all at the fair, with the north end of the Recreation Grounds being allocated to a Kids’ Fun Zone and the south end Fun Zone hosting events and attractions for fun for all ages. And of course there’s the annual Red Ribbon Competition in the curling rink that is a cornerstone of the fair with many categories to choose from to challenge your talents.
Local church groups again will be hosting kids’ activities and crafts while there will be no shortage of animal love available at various attractions on sight. Mini golf, batting cages, and bouncy houses are just a few examples of fun to be had at the fair. It’s a day sure to bring smiles to little faces and a good sleep at the end of the day. For children who are two wheeler fans there is a bike decorating contest with an opportunity to ride in the parade.
The World’s Longest Hockey Game promoters will be returning with a dunk tank to launch their next marathon in May 2014 with proceeds going to the Children’s Hospital in their efforts to make a new Guinness Book World Record. The ever popular Jail n Bail courtesy of Surf’s Up and Atco Gas will be looking for soft hearts to release their round up of hooligans, again with the Children’s Hospital benefiting from the fun.
Klinger suggests bringing along your lawn chair to take in the entertainment at the North Side Kid zone which features local singers, musicians and entertainers courtesy of the efforts of the Lake Recording Studio and the General Teamsters Union. At the other end of the grounds will be the Wild West Family Saloon hosted by Ann Hutter of AMT Music where everyone can come for free, hang out and relax or maybe kick up your heels starting at 10 am. A family dance will run from 4pm to 11pm so clean up those dancing shoes and join the party!
Have you ever considered making a scarecrow? Chestermere CIBC is returning to sponsor their second annual scarecrow contest. There’s no cost to enter and this is a great project for families, groups and even businesses said Klinger. Cash prizes will be awarded; come by to cast your vote or to check out the competition!
Gymkhana will be hosting their show at the coral that has been recently updated through grants from the Agricultural Society. Klinger said, “More people are signing up, with even participants from Lethbridge attending the event.” There is seating available so it’s a good spot to take the load off and enjoy some fine showmanship.
Slo-Pitch will again be on the rooster with 12 to 16 teams taking a turn up to bat.
If you fancy pie then the fair is the place for you. There are two opportunities to indulge in pie; either by entering the free pie making workshop held Wednesday September 11 which will turn your talent into a fundraiser for Stars at the auction held at the Red Ribbon Competition with MP Kevin Sorenson hosting, or by joining the warm group of Whitecappers at their Country Kitchen, nestled between the baseball diamonds and the Rec Center MPP room, who will be offering pie, coffee and ice cream at OLD FASHIONED PRICES. The good ol’ days have come back!
Ladies remind your men that the Man Van will be on site from 11:30 to 3:OO offering free blood screening for prostate cancer. A quick and simple procedure in a moment that may guarantee many more to come down the road. Guys man up for your ladies, your family and your life.
And the fun goes on and on. There’s the honey people, and the trade show, the food vendors, the local 4H groups and mascots. The weekend will round out with the Loop Around the Lake library fundraiser the following Sunday.
As the county Fair approaches the exuberant Klinger said,”It’s amazing, it’s cool and it makes me excited.” With this much zest and excitement from not only Klinger but all volunteers it is sure to be a day to take in. See you there!
Although there are too many volunteers to thank in this article as a community we thank you all and a special thanks to Steve Jeffrey of the Anchor who generously donated his time and talents to the making of the fabulous Country Fair Booklet and online addition. For any information on the fair check out this booklet which is available free around town or by looking online at http://www.facebook.com/ChestermereCountryFair