Valued stalwart

Plenty of events are held in the district each year—ranging from fishing tournaments to arts and music festivals.
But there’s one stalwart that’s been a fixture locally for more than 100 years: the Rainy River Valley Agricultural Society’s annual fall fair in Emo, which runs tomorrow through Saturday.
One appreciates the time and effort required to not only get an event off the ground, but keep it going successfully year after year. Which is why the incredible longevity of the Emo Fair is such an amazing feat.
Now in its second century, the fall fair continues to be the highlight of the year for so many district residents, whether showcasing animals they’ve raised, exhibiting their produce and crafts, chasing stock car glory, or simply riding the midway.
Just as important, it remains a meeting place for the community to come together to swap stories and share successes with friends and neighbours.
This year’s Emo Fair schedule again is packed with a variety of events—from the crowning of the 2014 queen tomorrow night right through to Saturday night’s dance, with horse and cattle shows, the parade, and stock car racing in between.
There’s also all the displays at the Exhibition Hall and booths in the Farm Progress Building.
Best wishes to the organizers for another successful Emo Fair, and thanks for all the hard work of everyone involved.
As Shirley Morrish, whose family is being honoured this year, put it: “It’s a year of work for a week of lasting memories.”
Indeed, more than a century’s worth.