A true gem

A lot of attention has been paid to the various fishing tournaments held across the district each year—and rightly so given their economic impact and how they act as a showcase for our area to visiting anglers.
But another fine tradition is equally important to district residents year in and year out. And that, of course, is the Rainy River Valley Agricultural Society’s annual fall fair in Emo, which has been going strong now for more than a century.
A few events already have been held, but the bulk of the activities run tomorrow through Saturday at the fairgrounds. And once again, organizers have put together a full schedule that’s sure to appeal to every interest and age group.
While one or two new events typically are introduced each year to keep things fresh, such as the “Parade of Breeds” horse showcase slated for Saturday, it is the old stalwarts that continue to be as popular as ever: stock car racing, the midway, the queen and mini-queen/king pageants, the parade, the loggers’ competition, the 4-H steer auction, the exhibition hall and Farm Progress Building, and, of course, all the livestock shows.
But it’s the ambiance surrounding the fair, the excitement and anticipation people feel as mid-August rolls around, that is its lifeblood—and what sets it apart from all the other annual events held across our district.
It is a feeling of pride in the fruits of one’s labour over the past year, and a spirit of community and neighbourliness second to none.
Frankly, nothing else quite matches the Emo Fair. It is a true gem our district should cherish now and for decades to come.