All the hard work and dedication of the volunteers is what has made the Rainy River Valley Agricultural Society’s annual fall fair in Emo a great success for 108 years, said fair board president Emily Watson.
“We couldn’t do this without all the volunteers who keep coming back year after year,” she stressed.
“All the volunteers that help us pre-fair, and post-fair, are very important because there is a lot to do not just during the show,” Watson added, noting many people other than fair board members were busy bees around the fairgrounds throughout the week.
The 2008 fair royalty, crowned Thursday night, offered their time to help pageant organizers run the Mini-King and Queen competitions on Saturday afternoon.
The fair schedule was jam-packed for everyone, but a lot of people found time to help out and ensure everything ran smoothly—from the 4-H market steer auction to the parade to the horse shows.
“The whole weekend went really, really well,” Watson enthused. “I’m so happy. I just love the fair, and seeing families enjoying themselves.”
She conceded that while attendance was only average this year, organizers were excited about the great weather—and used it to their advantage.
“We decided last-minute to change the dance location from upstairs in the arena to outside on the grounds,” Watson noted. “I think people really enjoyed the fresh air, so we really noticed higher attendance at the dances.”
Bingo also was back in popular fashion at the fair this year, and that was something else Watson was happy about.
Another positive addition to this year’s fair seemed to be the passport, said Watson.
“They seemed to keep people moving around the grounds, and take them to exhibits and places they’ve never gone before,” she reasoned. “The feedback so far has been really good, so we may do it again.
“I was really happy to see people of all ages interacting at the Bingo tables, it makes for an enjoyable time for all.”
Watson said the hot weather didn’t seem to bother many fair-goers because we’ve had so little of it so far this summer.
“Most people were happy about the hot temperature. I think they’ve missed it,” she remarked.
“Once again, thanks for all the hard work and let’s make next year’s fair just as memorable,” she concluded.
Shirley Nixon and Mary Brown, both of Fort Frances, were the winners of the combined RRVAS/4-H raffles for a half of beef.
In related news, a lot of items were turned into the lost and found over the weekend. Anyone looking for a missing item can call the Jan Judson at 482-2428.
Items also can be picked up at the Emo fair office.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
