From the moment that the sun slowly started to rise on Saturday September 12th, something said it was going to be a great day. A feeling in the air of a community that had been struck with grief, destruction and sadness over the past few months was now coming together to celebrate it history and strength of its residents.
This was the day of the 26th annual Chestermere Country Fair which is one of Chestermere’s most popular events as there is something for everyone. This was the first Chestermere Country Fair since Chestermere became a city, but with the theme of “Putting the Country Back In Community”, the Chestermere Ag Society set out to do exactly that.
The Chestermere Lions Club kicked off the morning serving up pancakes while residents lined West Chestermere Drive anxiously awaiting the always popular parade. City dignitaries, children on decorated bikes, horses, businesses and Chestermere RCMP and fire services proudly filed down the parade route throwing candies and other treats to the spectators.
From there it was a full day of non-stop activities. What once has been referred to as the ‘soccer field’ at the Chestermere Rec Centre has now been re-named as the ‘Fair Grounds’ and was jam packed with activities, entertainment and games for kids of all ages. Bouncy castles, face painting and even a mechanical bull kept families entertained and with the sun shining, it was the perfect day.
Inside the rec centre, you could find vendors in the main hall and the MPP room selling amazing products or just providing information about their services or organization. The curling rink was where the ever popular Red Ribbon competition was held. The room was packed with entries of all varieties from vegetables, to jam, to floral arrangements to art work. As the judging for these started on Friday evening, as the day progressed on Saturday… red and blue ribbons began appearing on those that were the best of the best. Chestermere is truly a talented community – whether your talent is in the kitchen, garden or art studio… great job Chestermere! Red Ribbon organizers put out on Facebook, “What an exceptional Red Ribbon Competition! We have not totalled the number of entries yet, but it certainly exceeded last year AND our donors! Nearly $6000 in cash, gift cards and in kind that supported the Red Ribbon Competition with most going to the winning entrants!”
You could also get that good ole’ country feeling if you went a visited the Whitecappers Country Kitchen where the members of the Whitecappers were serving up pie and ice cream…and a story of the good ole’ days if you were lucky.
A slo-pitch tournament, display by Canadian Rabbit Hopping Club, hay rides, bee keeping display and a variety of vendors and food trucks also participate in the event. Saturday afternoon also brought the always popular pie auction raising money for STARS.
With all that there was to see and do, one of the best parts of events like this is the opportunity for our community to come together and catch up. After a summer that no one could have predicted, this gave people that time to chat with one another and reconnect as a community. Well done to the organizers and we’ll look forward to next year!
