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Welcome to a Thanksgiving Tradition: The Presidents’ Message On behalf of the Moore Agricultural Society and the Homecraft Division, we are looking forward to another successful fair. We want to thank our community and volunteers for an awesome fair weekend in 2022 and welcome you back this Thanksgiving Weekend for the Brigden Fall Fair. Our theme this year is “Aprons and Overalls.” Over the years, aprons and overalls have been worn as part of uniforms, trades and rituals, or simply as fashion statements. Although on the farm, overalls are often required out of necessity not a result of fashion. So, don’t be shy! Wear those overalls, put on that apron, and wear them with pride! A special thank you to all of our valued volunteers, directors, members, sponsors, and exhibitors. We appreciate your ongoing dedication and support – you are what makes Brigden Fair a successful, educational and entertaining event, and we couldn’t do this without you. In our community, Thanksgiving is Brigden Fair. That is
President John Scott
Homecraft President Cheryl McGuire
where we enjoy time with our family, friends and giving back to our community. We are excited about what lies ahead for 2023 and are so grateful for our community for keeping the tradition thriving. See you at the Fair!
John & Cheryl
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Getting to the Brigden Fair, Oct. 6, 7, 8 & 9 When We Open Exhibit Buildings Friday: 9 am – 8 pm Saturday: 9 am – 8 pm Sunday: 9 am – 6 pm Monday: 9 am – 4 pm
It is a short drive to the Brigden Fairgrounds. Our main entry is 2435 COURTRIGHT LINE, - old Highway 80 to many - in beautiful St. Clair Township. Look for the big ‘Home of the Brigden Fair’ archway. There is free parking on the grounds and a people mover to help take you closer to all the action. Please don’t park on the streets around the fairgrounds. You’ll have to leave your pets at home; FOR DIRECTIONS TO only exhibition and service animals are al- THE BRIGDEN FAIR lowed on the grounds for the fair weekend.
SCAN ME
Homecraft Lunch Counter in Exhibition Hall - Arts and Crafts Building -
Friday/Saturday/Sunday: 9 am – 6 pm Monday: 9 am – 3 pm
World’s Finest Shows Midway Closes Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 10 PM (May close earlier or later depending on number of visitors in the midway)
Closes Monday at 4:30 PM
Meet the 2023-2024 Brigden Fair Ambassador Emma Wheeler
My name is Emma Wheeler and on August 13th 2023, I was named the 2023-2024 Brigden Fair Ambassador. This is something that I have been working towards for nearly 15 years. I am 22 years old and live just outside of Corunna. For 20 years, I lived in Brigden and plan to move back to my hometown in the near future.
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I took the Office Administration program at Lambton College which aided me with my career at Manleys Basics in Point Edward as a customer service and sales representative. Without the people at the Brigden Fair I would not be where I am today - they taught me confidence, responsibility and above all else kindness. CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE
ST.CLAIR TOWNSHIP welcomes you to Brigden!
8 - THE BRIGDEN FAIR
Wheeler hopes to inspire others to give to community In my spare time, I enjoy being busy whether I am hiking, gardening, kayaking, fishing, hunting, doing arts and crafts, reading, photography, woodworking or anything in which I am able to learn. Throughout the year I like to prepare my entries for the Brigden Fair for the arts and crafts division and the photography division, and hopefully this year I will be able to enter some of the many vegetables from my garden. Although it may be a small goal in comparison to others, I hope to be able to enter chickens in the poultry division in the coming years. Some of my fondest memories as a child on the farm involved caring for the chickens and turkeys with my family. I can remember the ambassador coming to my elementary school when I was a young girl, to talk about the Brigden Fair, Agriculture in the Classroom and her duties as the ambassador. The first time I was told that I could be the ambassador when I grew up, like the people in my community that I looked up to, I knew that it was something I needed to do. It feels surreal to be able to visit the schools in the upcoming weeks and hopefully inspire children to give back to the community and work towards a goal as I did. I have been involved with the Brigden Fair for as long as I can
remember. For the 22 years that I have been around for the fair, I have only ever missed one day. In the most recent years I have been on the arts and crafts committee as well as a member of the ambassador court. It is incredible to see just how many people in the community help not only throughout the weekend of the Brigden Fair but during the entire year. Being on the ambassador court for the previous fairs has allowed me to understand what my role will entail and prepare myself for the exciting year to come. The fair has always been a place that I can call home, as the people that I have the pleasure of volunteering alongside always ensure that everyone feels welcome and loved. I am honoured to be a part of the community and proud to be a member of the Moore Agricultural Society. I feel that it is no coincidence that the Brigden fair is held on Thanksgiving Weekend as the fair proves just how much we have to be thankful for. I am so thankful for the people in the community and the people who visit to see just what Brigden has to offer. I am incredibly grateful to represent not only the Brigden Fair, but also my community, and I hope to make Brigden proud.
Emma Wheeler
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Wigle honoured for service Orrie Wigle is honoured to have been chosen as Brigden Fair’s 2023 Recipient of the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies Award. He has been an active member of the Moore Agricultural Society since the mid-1990s. After moving to Sarnia in 1990, he and his family enjoyed coming to the fair on Thanksgiving weekend. As an amateur photographer he entered photos at the fair and spent many hours trying to get the perfect fair picture. His daughters competed in the junior department and now continue to enter the adult sections. His wife, Alma, was a frequent winner in sewing and needlecraft. After a couple of years, he decided to become a member. He says “when I bought my first membership, Mary Robinson very firmly informed me that being a member involved much more than paying 10 dollars. You had to volunteer and work to make the fairgrounds better.” That year, he helped with fair set up in the exhibition hall and cleaned it each night when it closed. At the next Annual General Meeting, Mary nominated him for the Board of Directors. He was elected and served many years on the MAS Board. In 2001, he was President of MAS and in 2008/09, he was
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President of the Homecraft Division. Orrie was chairperson of the Photography Department for several years. He served on several other committees and continues to be a member of the grounds and buildings committee. Orrie grew up on a small mixed farm. One of the highlights of the year was going to Harrow Orrie Wigle has been given Fair to show his latest the 2023 OAAS Award 4-H Dairy calf and help showing other livestock. He left the farm to pursue an engineering degree and work as an environmental engineer. This engineering background helped him prepare several grant applications to obtain funding for improvements to the fairgrounds. CONTINUED ON PAGE 10
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Wigle an active MAS member ADMISSION
An Ontario Trillium Foundation grant helped build the Southend Washrooms in the end of the poultry barn. Other grants helped to renovate the race horse barn and improve accessibility on the fairgrounds. While he has passed the grant writing to Michelle Evanitski, he continues to provide advice and obtain quotes for applications. The digital sign recently installed on Courtright Line was funded by a grant based on his proposed design and an excellent grant request written by Michelle. Orrie enjoys his volunteer work with the Moore Agricultural Society and the many friends he made. For many years, he was a regular worker in the kitchen when there was a large dinner event. From mashing potatoes to washing dishes, he could be depended on to help out. Much of his work was behind the scenes. He would make sure the washrooms were clean and all supplies were in stock for the fair and other events held at the fairgrounds. “When you grow up on a farm, you learn to do whatever needs to be done.”
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Schedule of Events Friday October 6 9 am Exhibit Buildings Open 10 am- 3pm Agriculture Awareness Day (C) Emergency Response Displays 9 am Mainstreet Colouring Contest (MCS) 11 am Crystal Gage (ET) 11:30 am Official Fair Opening (ET) 12:15 pm Crystal Gage (ET) 2 pm Pickin’ n Fiddlin’ at the Fair (ET) 7 pm Tractor Pull - Southwest Ontario Tractor Pullers Association (G) 8pm Exhibit Buildings close
SCAN ME
Legend: C – Coliseum EXH – Exhibition Hall HHR – Heavy Horse Ring HR3 – Horse Ring 3
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MCS – Mainstreet Community Showcase, FY - Ploughman’s Farmyard HR1 –Horse Ring 1 LS – Lumberjack Stand
ET – Entertainment Tent, G – Grandstand HR2 – Horse Ring 2 PB – Poultry Barn
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Schedule of Events
Saturday, October 7 9 am 9 am 10 am 10 am 11 am 11 am 11:25 am 11:30 am
Exhibit Buildings Open Mid Western Horse Show (HR1/2) Ontario Vintage Tractor Pull (G) Poultry Show (PB) Open Sheep/Market Lamb Show (C) ProRider Freestyle MX– Show, Meet & Greet (G) Bluewater Chordsman (ET) Great Canadian Lumberjacks (LS)
PARADE at NOON 12:30 pm 1 pm 1 pm 1 pm 1:15 pm 1:30 pm 1:30 pm 1:30 pm 3pm 2:45 pm 3 pm 3:30 pm 4 pm 6 pm 8 pm
Randy Satchell Band (ET) Beef Cattle Breed Show (C) Pumpkin Catapult- Decorate and take aim (HR3) ProRider Freestyle MX– Show, Meet & Greet (G) IPM Awards Presentation (ET) Charity Auction (MCS) Great Canadian Lumberjacks (LS) Randy Satchell Band (ET) Beauty & Beast Story Time/Meet & Greet (MCS) Steppin’ Up Dance Club (ET) ProRider Freestyle MX– Show, Meet & Greet (G) Christine Storey and Friends (ET) Great Canadian Lumberjacks (LS) Team Sorting (C) Exhibit Buildings Close
Legend: C – Coliseum EXH – Exhibition Hall HHR – Heavy Horse Ring HR3 – Horse Ring 3
MCS – Mainstreet Community Showcase, FY - Ploughman’s Farmyard HR1 –Horse Ring 1 LS – Lumberjack Stand
ET – Entertainment Tent, G – Grandstand HR2 – Horse Ring 2 PB – Poultry Barn
Schedule of Events
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Sunday, October 8 9 am 9 am 10 am 10 am 10 am 10 am 10:30 am 11 am 11 am 11:30 am 12 noon 12 noon 12 Noon 12:15 pm 12:30 pm 1 pm 1:15 pm 1:30 pm 1:30 pm 1:30 pm 2 pm 2 pm 2:15 pm 3 pm 3:15 pm 3:30 pm 3:30 pm 4 pm 6 pm
Exhibit Buildings Open Mid Western Horse Show (HR1/2) Brigden 4-H Sheep Show (C) Children’s Rabbit & Guinea Pig Show (PB) Adult Rabbit & Guinea Pig Show (PB) Meet & Greet - Superheros (MCS) Western Ontario Outlaws – Lawnmower Races Interdenominational church service (ET) ProRider Freestyle MX– Show, Meet & Greet (G) Great Canadian Lumberjacks (LS) Neufeld Studio of Highland Dance (MCS) Highland Cattle Show (C) Working Wagon Teams Show (HHR) Borderline Band (ET) Meet & Greet – Heros (MCS) ProRider Freestyle MX– Show, Meet & Greet (G) Piano Time with Barry Betts (ET) Intercounty 4-H Sheep Show (C) Great Canadian Lumberjacks (LS) Twisted Chris (MCS) Candy Scramble for Kids (C) Farm Olympics (C) Borderline Band (ET) Western Ontario Outlaws – Lawnmower Races Joan Spalding and Friends (ET) Great Canadian Lumberjacks (LS) Meet & Greet – Fairies & Pirates (MCS) ProRider Freestyle MX– Show, Meet & Greet (G) Exhibit Buildings Close
Legend: C – Coliseum EXH – Exhibition Hall HHR – Heavy Horse Ring HR3 – Horse Ring 3
MCS – Mainstreet Community Showcase, FY - Ploughman’s Farmyard HR1 –Horse Ring 1 LS – Lumberjack Stand
ET – Entertainment Tent, G – Grandstand HR2 – Horse Ring 2 PB – Poultry Barn
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Schedule of Events
Monday, October 9 9 am 9 am 9 am 9 am 9:30 am 9:30 am 10 am 11 am 11 am 11:30 am 11:30 am 12 noon 1 pm 1 pm 1 pm 1 pm 1 pm 1:30 pm 2 pm 2 pm 3 pm 3 pm 3 pm 3:30 pm 4 pm 4:30 pm
Farm Truck Displays – All Day (G) Exhibit Buildings Open Heavy Horse Show (HHR) Brigden 4-H Beef Show(C) Open Light Horse & Mini Horse Show (HR3) Brigden Fair Open Speed Show (HR1) Baby Show 9 – 12 months (MCS) Twisted Chris (MCS) Great Lakes Woodland Dance Troupe – Cultural Teachings (G) Great Canadian Lumberjacks (LS) Baby Show 5 - 8 months (MCS) Sarnia School of Irish Dance (ET) Buck and Boys Classic Country (ET) Elite Star Dance (MCS) Great Lakes Woodland Dance Troupe – Mini Pow Wow (G) Intercounty 4-H Beef Show (C) Beef Cattle Breed Show (C) Great Canadian Lumberjacks (LS) Baby Show 0 – 4 months (MCS) Mark Blayney (ET) Buck and Boy’s Classic Country (ET) Great Canadian Lumberjacks (LS) Harvest of Gold Draw (ET) Annual Quilt Draw (EXH) Exhibit Buildings close to all patrons Buildings re-open for exhibitors to claim their items
Legend: C – Coliseum EXH – Exhibition Hall HHR – Heavy Horse Ring HR3 – Horse Ring 3
MCS – Mainstreet Community Showcase, FY - Ploughman’s Farmyard HR1 –Horse Ring 1 LS – Lumberjack Stand
ET – Entertainment Tent, G – Grandstand HR2 – Horse Ring 2 PB – Poultry Barn
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2023 Brigden Fair Parade Marshalls: Mona May & Harold Thompson We are honoured to be chosen as the 2023 Parade Marshalls. Together we have been involved with the Moore Agricultural Society since our marriage in 1970. Together volunteering at Brigden fair has led to many rewarding experiences. Mona’s first memory of Brigden Fair was falling off the pony ride and breaking her arm back in 1950 and has only missing two Brigden fairs since then. Mona May was invited in 1968 by Hilda Logan to become a volunteer for the M.A.S Homecraft Division. After being mentored by Edythe Wilson, Mona May became chair of the Junior Division and with the help of the committee members was able to expand the division. During the year 1989 and 1990 Mona May held the position of Homecraft President which led to her first experience of being part of the Main Board of Directors. Mona May became a Board of Director and was President of the Moore Agricultural Society in 1997 and 2004. Harold originally from Parkhill became involved with the volunteer family of Brigden Fair by volunteering on the Sheep committee with his father in law. He took over as Chair and now coordinates the Sheep Show with the assistance of his children Susan and Carl.
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Harold has been Moore Agricultural Society’s President in 1992, 2000, and 2015. Harold held a position with the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies (OSSA) District 13 which represents Lambton and Elgin County Fairs. He became President of the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies (OSSA) in 1999. Together we visited fairs across Ontario making new friends and gaining knowledge on how each fair meets the needs of their CONTINUED ON PG 16 community.
Powering Lambton County for over a Century
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Thompsons long-time Brigden Fair volunteers During his time on the OAAS board Harold represented the fairs at the Technical Safety Standards Association (TSSA) meetings in Toronto. While on the executive we travelled to the Canadian Association of Fairs and Exhibitions (CAFÉ) in Quebec City, Quebec and Banff, Alberta. As his wife Mona May got to tour the areas with other spouses while Harold attended meetings. A great experience for both. They have been on many of the committees throughout the fair too many to list, which help them to understand the working of the whole organization and the importance of volunteers. Harold and Mona May realize the importance of taking advantage of training programs offer to fairs through OAAS and Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Both were involved in Strategic Planning, Policies and Procedures and the 1st Impressions Fair exchange. When the committee led by Bob McGee approached the Lambton County Board of Education with the unique idea of having classrooms coming to the fair to learn about agriculture and its effect on our daily lives. Harold was there with Dennis Robinson, Jackie South and Muriel McCallum in 1987. Harold was unable to attend the 1988
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spring meeting so Mona May went instead. That was the beginning of a challenging and rewarding adventure of Agriculture in the Classroom every Friday of Brigden Fair for over 30 years. Harold chaired the changing technology group and with his volunteer provided hands on activities, bringing agriculture from pioneer days till present. Mona May over the years accepted numerous awards for the program from OAAS, CAFÉ. These awards were made possible by the support of the dedicated volunteers that came back each year to share their knowledge. Working side by side to promote Brigden Fair as an agricultural experience has provided them with numerous personal rewards and friendships at home and across Ontario. They encourage other volunteers to accept new challenges as you never know what wonderful experiences will follow. New ideas are needed to keep agriculture fairs prominent in today’s society. Thank you to the Board of Director for nominating us as the 2023 Brigden Fair Parade Marshalls. Harold and Mona May Thompson
Harold and Mona May Thompson
Our best wishes to the hardworking community that makes BRIGDEN FAIR possible!
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Learning the importance of agriculture in our lives Join us for a day program as producers shair their knowledge of the agriculture Industry. This year, people of all ages can come to the Brigden Fair Friday Oct. 6 from 10 am to 3 pm to have a chance to explore centers focusing on livestock, crops, changing technology and farm safety. Don’t miss the schedule of demonstrations through out the program and bring the whole family to learn how agriculture is important in our daily lives. Find the fun in the Coliseum area.
Students gather around a combine to hear more about the harvest at the Brigden Fair.
Brigden Fair new home to Olympics...The Farm Olympics
Have you heard that Brigden, Ontario is the home of the Fall Fair Farm Olympics this year? Check us out on Sunday afternoon, October 8, in the coliseum. Events include hay bale toss, wheelbarrow races, and even a tractor pull. Teams of five will be separated based on age group, such
as Kiddos (8 and under), Young Farmers (8-18), Adults (1865), our Seasoned Seniors (65+), and our Farm Family (all ages). Pre-registration is preferred and asking $10/team or a reasonable donation where proceeds will go to local charity.
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Homecraft Happenings: 65 years and going strong
The Homecraft Division of Brigden Fair invite all fair-goers to stop by at the Exhibition Building at the fair to view the many beautiful quilts and creative needlework, arts & crafts, flowers, photography, culinary crafts and junior work of our many exhibitors. A number of new classes have been added this year that we hope you find interesting. Even Mayor Jeff Agar is sponsoring a class for the best slice of Pecan Pie! Some of the Homecraft Departments are located in the Junior Fair building - a short walk away. We have had to move some of our displays there as we are growing out of our space! In the Junior Building, you will find the canning and preserves of the Home department and the Comfort class, among the 4-H displays, Country Harvest Cooking display, Industrial Arts and home garden items! Be sure to check them out! The theme for the 2023 Fair is “Aprons & Overalls”. Homecraft ladies will again have the fair kitchen cafe every day of the fair. The fair kitchen cafe will be open from 9:00- 6:00, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. On Monday hours of operation is 9 am - 3:00 pm. The kitchen will feature homemade beef vegetable and turkey vegetable soup as well as our ever popular broccoli soup. Turkey, Salmon & Egg Salad sandwiches will be available, along with cheeseburgers, hamburgers and hotdogs. Also on the menu this year are the popular “Peameal Bacon” and “Pulled Pork” on a bun. If you need to satisfy your sweet tooth then the homemade pies and Long John Donuts are a must! Ingredient lists are available to those who have diet sensitivities. Fair Kitchen provides delicious food at “family friendly” costs. The Homecraft division was formed in 1958. Over the past 65 years the ladies have played a significant role in developing more classes keeping our fair relevant to the changing times. The homecraft ladies have supported the Moore Agriculture Society raising funds through catering and other fund raisers over the years such as our annual quilt raffle. We hope to see you at the Fair!
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The Brigden Fair Welcomes
To Our Midway Advanced Tickets Special PriceS
18 tickets for $23
Available at the fairgrounds Friday Oct. 6
until 3 pm
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20 - THE BRIGDEN FAIR
Homecraft Division founders blazed a trail
It was the day that would change history; especially for the Moore Agricultural Society that at that time was governed by 18 gentlemen. It was 1958 and this was the official day that 36 female volunteers organized and became a division of MAS with their own executive. It was a different time socially than we experience now when women were noted by their husband’s names. No one was address as Ms. You were a Mrs. Or you were a Miss. These ladies were the stepping stone in the future of the Women’s Department. They held their organizational meeting in the Legion Rooms of the Brigden & Community Hall which used to be the Old Balmoral Hotel on Front & Main Streets. At this time, they had to meet offsite at the Basswood Block as there was nowhere to meet at the fairgrounds. Many things were accomplished over the next few years with the exhibits being their major focus. Dressed in uniforms of blue jackets and gold skirts and later slacks, there was no stopping this force of nature. They updated the showroom with skirting and had exhibit cases built. They painted the cement block walls and
decorated so the rafters wouldn’t show. Erma’s Tea Room was created which was a small place in the Administration Building for 3 or 4 small tables and chairs. In 1979, the Exhibition Hall was built with what was then considered a “full size” kitchen, washrooms, storage and a boardroom. As stated in the history, The Homecraft Division then has the opportunity to focus on light catering and thus accommodate women who came to the fair with a place to relax. The history books go on to say that catering has grown over the years and the revenue from this concentrated effort has helped assist the Society in acquiring more land and building new buildings and the cost of maintenance. CONTINUED ON PAGE 21
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THE BRIGDEN FAIR - 21
Homecraft volunteers are the fundraisers for big projects
The exhibition hall was a real challenge at a cost of $115,000 with interest rates which rose to 18 per cent. With Peter Hayward as President and his wife, Maxine, as Homecraft President and the all the volunteers, the debt was paid off in just four years! The Ladies were fundraisers and still are today. They needed money to equip this new kitchen in 1979 and made $2000. Homemade Candy was always a good fundraiser until the price of sugar went sky high. In order to make money, they needed a good inventory and a good place to feed people, so they painted walls inside and out. They purchased a dishwasher, kettles, dishes, cutlery, crock pots and paid for it thru their catering efforts. They were inventive, doing cooking demonstrations with the advent of the Microwave. They saw the need for an Entertainment Tent which meant it became the responsibility of the Homecraft Division. The Christmas Corner was added in 1983. They looked after the Ambassador Contest which at that time was called the Fair Queen Competition. They were a great group for having fun, writing skits and carrying on. They made quilts and sold tickets which are a fundraiser that continues today.
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In 1996, the Ex Hall was updated again with an extension built on the south end. This included new washrooms and cloakroom. The hall was no longer a place to store combines in the off season. The cost for the 50 x 52 ft. addition was $325,000. It is noted that Marilyn Shaw (along with her committee) gets much credit for seeing the project through to completion in time to be used at the 1996 fair. The landscaping cost the Homecraft Division another $950. By 1999, only $33,000 was left of the debt and it was paid off by year end. The Homecraft Division was always coming up with ways to raise money from dances, cooking demonstrations, fashion and Quilt shows, talent auctions, chances on trips and of course the ever popular catering. Brigden’s Queenie McBean was elected President of the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies Ladies Division – the provincial entity in 1967. In 1985 Lorene Sharp (A homecraft member) became the first woman to be President of the Brigden Fair. That year the fair became a 4 day fair and the cover of the prize book sported a coloured collage of pictures as it still does. CONTINUED ON PG 22
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Making a significant difference In 1986, The Baby Show was started and has grown ever since. Accepting an invitation to assist or volunteer with an event at Brigden Fair or in the Ex Hall has led to generations of people coming back to help at events, developing friendships and acquiring a sense of ownership and responsibility to the community. Many volunteer hours have been earned so High School Graduation could be achieved. “We must remember that one determined person can make a significant difference but a small group of determined people can change the course of history.” The Homecraft Division continues to fundraise thru their quilt raffle, fair kitchen and Pie Sales and support the membership of the Moore Agricultural Society.
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Grandmother’s Flower quilt draw 2023 Annual Homecraft Division Quilt Raffle draw will take place on Thanksgiving Monday at 3:30 p.m. in the Exhibition Hall. This beautiful hand appliqued quilt is called Grandmothers Flower Garden and is Queen size approximately 84 x 101 inches. Tickets on this lovely quilt can be purchased from any Homecraft Member (in person), by visiting the Quilt Ticket Table in the Exhibition Hall on Fair Weekend or you can purchase thru online sales by e-transfer to quiltraffle@ brigdenfair.ca (by Sunday October 8 for e-transfer). Let us know how many tickets you want to purchase including names and contact information for the Tickets. The cost is $2/ticket or 3 for $5 and can also be purchased in larger quantities. For E-transfer purchases, your tickets will be emailed to you. Don’t delay – limited tickets available.
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‘91 Plowing Match left a legacy The 1991 International Plowing Match welcomed more than 90,000 visitors over several days to the massive farm show and plowing competition hosted by a group of local volunteers at a site just outside of Petrolia. Organizers in Lambton decided not to follow the typical pattern where local committee members received modest per diems from local profits the event earned, with the rest going to charity. Instead, with encouragement from plowing match chairperson, the late Leonard McNeil, the Lambton volunteers decided to put the local profit into the scholarship fund after using a little bit of cash to hold a roast beef supper to thank everyone who helped.
That left “still well over $100,000” for the scholarship fund, Brian Boyle said. “We thought this would be a more meaningful way of spending it.” Since then, more than 100 scholarships have been awarded. “It gives that little constant reminder of all the excellent volunteerism that happened in the match,” Boyle said. While academic achievement is part of the scholarship program’s criteria, “the main thing is community involvement,” he said. “That’s very much in the spirit of the plowing match volunteers.” This year’s scholarships will be announced at the Brigden Fair on Thanksgiving weekend.
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Fan favourites are back at the Entertainment Tent Randy Satchell, Barry Bets, Buck and Boys Classic Country and Crystal Gage
The Entertainment Tent will be located in the area flanked by the Commercial Building, Cement Block Washroom and Junior Building/Workshop area facing the infield. There are quite a few familiar faces on the schedule that most will know from previous years that we have brought back due to popular demand with the local crowd. The Randy Satchell Band Randy is an accomplished singer, song writer and recording artist from Mitchell, Ontario. Randy is a two time winner of the Canadian Open Country Singing Contest. He remains a very popular entertainer throughout Southwestern Ontario headlining Shows with Canada’s Largest Travelling Barn Dance and Purple Hill Country music hall. Randy’s Band are a well seasoned group who have backed up many greats such as Stompin’ Tom Connors. This is a show you won’t want to miss on Saturday at 12:30 and again at 1:30 pm in the Entertainment Tent. Barry Betts Barry is a retired instrumental Music teacher and accomplished Pianist from Wallaceburg, Ontario. Come enjoy a trip through time as Barry brings to life songs from the big band era of the Roaring 20’s through to the present. See Barry in the Entertainment Tent on Sunday at 1:15 p.m Buck and Boy’s Classic Country What do you get when you combine musicians from the best Country dance bands of the 60’s and 70’s. You get Buck and Boys. This Band combines the guitar and vocals of Mark Buckwheat with the fiddle, mandolin, and vocals of Bernie Caron. This is complimented by the Steel Guitar of Jim Deyo and the solid groove put out by Bass player Dan St Pierre. This perfect mix of talent compliments each other to deliver the Country Dance Classics that will have your toes tapping and singing along in the Entertainment Tent on Sunday. Mark Blayney Mark Blayney has a passion for songwriting. Born and raised in Sarnia Ontario, he started his musical
career at the age of seventeen entertaining in nightclubs in Southwestern Ontario. He incorporated humour to his stage shows with novelty hats and one-liner comedy. In 1991 Blayney won the local CCMA Bud Country Talent Search and went on to compete at a national level. In 1995 he appeared on CFPL(Channel 10 London) showcasing six of his originals on a T.V show called “Countrys In”. In 2001 Mark worked with Soundhouse Studios John Jamieson who Produced Blayneys “Distant To Me” and a song called “Forever Yours”. He attends many of the Nashville Songwriter Association meetings in Toronto to get his songs critiqued by music industry A&R Reps. Mark Blayney offers a mixture of Light Rock,Country and Gospel songs.
Program for Entertainment Tent 2023 Friday, October 6 11:00 Crystal Gage 11:30 Fair opening 12:15 Crystal Gage 2 pm Pickin N Fiddlin Saturday, October 7 11:25 Bluewater Chordsmen 12:00 Parade 12:30 Randy Satchell Band 1:15 IPM Scholarship Awards 1:30 Randy Satchell Band 2:45 Steppin up Dance Club 3:30 Christine Storey and Friends Sunday October 8 11:00 Interdenominational church service 12:15 Borderline Band 1:15 Piano Time with Barry Betts 2:15 Borderline Band 3:15 Joan Spalding and Friends Monday October 9 12:00 Sarnia School of Irish Dance 1:00 Buck and Boy’s Classic Country 2:00 Mark Blayney 3:00 Buck and Boy’s Classic Country
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Catch the fun at Mainstreet Community Showcase Mainstreet (Credit Union) Community Showcase welcomes young and old to enjoy a variety of events during Brigden Fair Weekend. On Friday, Mainstreet Employees will be holding a colouring contest, so drop by and show them your creative talent. Saturday, the Charity Auction will take place at 1:30 p.m. after the parade. Later in the day, relax with a meet and greet during Beauty and the Beast Story Time. Super Heros will take over the tent on Sunday interspersed with Twisted Chris and Neufeld Studio of Highland Dance. Fairies and Pirates will take over the space later in the day. Monday is Baby Show day. In between the different age groups, Twisted Chris and Elite Star Dance Academywill entertain. Charity Auction - Noelle’s Gift to Children Noelle’s Gift is honoured to be the designated recipient for the proceeds from the 2023 Brigden Fair Charity Auction! Noelle’s Gift is a registered non-profit charitable organization. Our purpose is to provide the administrators of schools and social service agencies in Sarnia-Lambton and Chatham-Kent immediate access to funds for children that will provide nutrition, clothing, educational equipment and emergency medical assistance for those families in need. Through community support, fundraising events, personal donations and memorial gifts we are to support the children of Lambton and Kent Counties.
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Twisted Chris A longtime resident of Corunna, Twisted Chris has been entertaining the young and young at heart in Lambton County and the surrounding areas with colourful fun for over a decade. With a specialty in balloons and balloon animals, Chris has also entertained and surprised crowds with face and body art, comedy, magic, and storytelling. Twisted Chris will be appearing this year with a new stage show for two special appearances as well as traveling to create your favourite balloon buddies throughout the weekend. Elite Star Dance Company Elite Star Dance Academy from Petrolia will be performing dances from their recent Dance Recital ‘Broadway ‘ this will include dances from their Competitive team. We offer different styles of Dance for ages from 18 months-Adults in various styles of dance from Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Jazz/Hop, musical theater, lyrical/Contemporary, Boys Hip Hop, Adult classes and Parent and Tot.
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Something to do all day long at the Brigden Fair While there are plenty of scheduled events at the Brigden Fair, you can find something to do at anytime of the day. The Midway opens 10 am daily Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday There are helicopter rides with Zimmer Air starting Saturday. Visit the Dinosaur Park Walk Thru Exhibit all weekend. The Thresher Machine/Antique Exhibit can be found at the Agricultural Field from 10 am– 4 pm Saturday and Sunday. Masoni CHIP, Child Identification Program,is available from 10 am – 4 pm near the OPP trailer at the large flag pole. In the Exhibition Hall, you will find quilts, Creative Crafts, Fine Arts, Culinary Crafts, Photography, and the Junior Department. Brigden Fair Lunch Counter treats fairgoers to Homemade Lunches and Pies Fri. Sat, Sun from 9 am – 6 pm; Monday 9 am – 3 pm.
At the Ploughman’s Farmyard located in Cattle Barn 1 – all weekend. Live Animal display, Interactive Children’s Activities and more including Soper Creek Wildlife Rescue, Jr Fair/Fruits & Vegetable Building Canning, Heaviest Pumpkin, Fruits, Vegetables, 4-H Displays, Giving Back to the Community, Industrial Arts. Please remember, no dogs, pets or animals will be allowed on the grounds or in any buildings, unless registered for exhibiting or showing. Exception will be given for legitimate Working Service Animals. Moore Agricultural Society reserves the right to request immunization records while on the grounds.
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Events year-round at the fairgrounds
Aprons & Overalls is the theme of the 2023 Brigden Fair. Although Brigden Fair, held on Thanksgiving Weekend, is Moore Agricultural Society’s main event, there are many more facets to the society with lots of activities held throughout the year. Local newspapers, radio, the Brigden Fair web and Facebook pages are great places to keep up with our ongoing events. Watch for the Country Jamborees in the Exhibition Hall throughout the winter months (second Sunday of the month) for lots of toe tapping music, dancing, and meals. Other popular events at the fairgrounds are the Annual Roast Beef Dinner, Country Campout Jamboree and Easter and Mother’s Day Brunches to name a few. Starting Saturday, October 21, MAS also provides winter
storage. For more details, please contact the fair office 519-8641197 (after fair weekend please) or check the webpage www.brigdenfair.ca Getting married or needing a place to hold your meetings, banquets, and birthday or anniversary parties, please contact the fair office about our hall and home cooked catering services. Moore Agricultural Society renovated the Exhibition Hall adding a family/handicapped accessible washroom. Come see what we have to offer in our grounds and assorted building rentals. The Brigden Fairgrounds is a great place to come home to at any time of the year.
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If you like animals, Brigden Fair is the place to be A number of horse rings will be filled all weekend with exhibitors presenting their animals in a variety of classes. Saturday features Haflinger and Mid-Western Horse Shows. With Exhibitors of all ages, fairgoers will be able to watch the excitement of an assortment of speed classes from Barrel, Flag, Pole bending and Keyhole races to the precision and control of Pleasure, Equitation, Trail, Harness and Conformation classes. Sunday’s line up will again feature the Mid-Western Horse show and always a crowd pleaser - the Working Wagon Team Obstacle Driving Competitions. These timed events test the skills of the teamster and their assistants as they maneuver through complicated obstacle courses. Back on Saturday night is the ever popular Team Sorting in the Coliseum where teams of 3 riders try to outsmart and sort in a prescribed sequence calves that often have their own agenda. If you like speed and action, the Brigden Fair Open Speed Show will get things moving on Monday. Also on tap is the Miniature Horse Show, and a Light Horse/Pony & Miniature Mule or Donkey show.
Mature Miniature Horses do not exceed 34” in height with foals being less than 30”. There will be costume classes, Lead line for exhibitors under 8 years old, Western Pleasure, Equitation, Command classes and even Ranch Riding. If you prefer the majestic Heavy Horses, line and harness classes for Percheron, Belgian, Clydesdale, Wagon
Horses and Mules will be on Thanksgiving Monday. If you would like to learn more about animals, please wander over to the Ploughman’s Farmyard and Activity Centre where many animals will be on display. Brigden Fair is not just about horses. The Coliseum will be the showplace for many breeds of cattle including Maine Anjou, Charolais, Hereford, Angus, and this year the addition of the Highland breed. Exhibitors will present their breeds throughout the weekend. Please check the schedule for dates and times. The Highland is a Scottish breed of rustic cattle. It originated in the Scottish Highlands and the Western Islands of Scotland and has long horns and a long shaggy coat. It is a hardy breed, able to withstand the intemperate conditions in the region. Highland Cow Fact: Although a group of cattle is generally called a herd, a group of Highland cattle is known as a “fold”. This is because in winter, the cattle were kept in open shelters made of stone called folds to protect them from the weather at night. Dorset, Suffolk, Southdown, Oxford, Hampshire, Lincoln and Leicester Sheep will be exhibited on Saturday in the renovated Sheep Barn. 4-H members will also be exhibiting their cattle and sheep. The Poultry Barn (attached to the washrooms at the south end of the fairgrounds) will be alive with the cackling, quacking and cooing of their shows. Come check out the unique breeds of Standards, Bantams, Ducks, Geese and Pigeons on Saturday. Sunday the Poultry Barn will host the Children’s Rabbit and Guinea Pig Show. There you will see the largest, biggest feet; floppiest eared to name a few. Also watch for the Rabbit Races at the end of the show. New this year Brigden Fair has added Rabbit and “Guinea Pig” Show and Race for Exhibitors 14 years of age and older. Classes for these pets include: heaviest, most colourful, best named, smallest, longest hair, loudest Whistle and most cowlicks. If you have never heard a guinea pig whistle – you are in for a treat!
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Feel the thunder at the Brigden Fair
The Grandstand is the place to be on Friday when exhibitors pit their machinery against the best in the evening. For registration and class information please contact www.swotpa.com
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Freestyle MX - not just for the boys You won’t want to miss the one and only Kassie Boone lighting up the sky both Saturday and Sunday with the ProRider Freestyle MX. In 2019, Kassie (a native of Belmont, Ontario) was the first female FMX Rider to compete at Stampede’s Monster Energy Compound. She is one of two women in the motocross world who jump the 75’ gap. She has been defying the odds — and gravity — since her dad first put her on a motorbike at the age of five. She is one of two women in the world who compete in big air freestyle motorcross - jumping 75 feet and performing Superman feet grabs, heel clickers, switch blades and a big list of tricks. In a past interview, she stated she has a mindset where she is so driven to learn and doesn’t really let any outside negativity bother her. Riding runs in her family. Her dad was a racer who they called Crazy Legs Boone. She states he was always riding his bike and his legs were always coming off the bike. He just had that bike skill that she was fortunate enough to get, along with growing up with a brother two years older than her.
Her brother was always out there taking his hands off and his feet off. And every time he did that, she would want to do the exact same thing. She credits a lot of her abilities to her dad and brother. You can meet Kassie and the rest of the team, trackside after the show.
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Learn more about First Nations culture at the Brigden Fair. The Sarnia Community Foundation is bringing the Great Lakes Woodland Dance Troupe to the fair. It’s a cultural dance troupe that shares the First Nation culture through singing, dancing and story telling. The presentations are about Pow-Wow singing and dancing. The troupe provides in-depth explanations about the various styles seen at the Pow-Wow, as well as the various types of singing involved.
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Gearing up for Oct. 14 demo derby As the song goes, ‘Get your Motors runnin…Head on down the highway’ to Brigden Fairgrounds where the roar of the engines, screaming tires, crashing metal and the oohs and aahs of the crowd will alert you to the Annual Brigden Fall Fair Demolition Derby. It’s held the Saturday after Thanksgiving - this year on Oct 14. Watch competitors vie to be the last vehicle moving. Drivers and their pit crews will give it their all to win the top trophy and prize money. Classes for stock cars, stock trucks, stock vans, modified cars, modified V8 and modified trucks. Bring the whole family, Gate Admission $10 – everyone pays with the exception of elementary and pre-school children who are free. Gates open at 9 am. Show begins at 1 pm. Details can be found on the Brigden Fall Fair Demolition Derby page Watch for Power Wheels classes for “up & coming” drivers!
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Hairy Cows at the Fair
TEAM SORTING
Team sorting is a western-style equestrian extreme sport that evolved from the common ranch work of separating cattle into pens for branding, doctoring, or transport. Ranch Sorting is an event that pits a team of two riders on horseback against the clock to sort specific calves. This event fills the coliseum grandstands and previously has had approx. 100 match ups of Cowboy vs cattle. The Brigden Fairgrounds coliseum is the place to be Saturday night.
Some of the cutest cows you’ve ever seen will be at the Brigden Fair this year. We thought you’d like to know a little bit about them. • The Highland Cow is the oldest registered breed of cattle in the world. Their distinctive long hair keeps them warm in winter, overs protection from the brush and undergrowth, protects their eyes from flies and it contributes to their stunning appearance which makes them so popular. • Nobody is quite sure if these cows can actually see where they are going! But whether they have super-vision or heightened other senses they certainly manage to find what they are looking for, even with that long fringe, known as a ‘dossan’ blocking the way! • Queen Victoria is said to have commented on a trip to the Highlands that she preferred the red coloured cattle and in an effort to please the Queen, this resulted in selective breeding of the reddish colour that we see most often today and the black colour gradually declining over time.
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Extreme racing: it’s not your grandpa’s lawnmower
Western Ontario Outlaws Lawn Tractor Racing was established in the fall of 2006 as a family friendly activity. There’s no prize money in the sport, called the “poor man’s NASCAR”, and machines can reach 160 km/h with engines having from 8 to 90 horsepower and costing from $500 to $5000 to build depending on the racing class. Each year the club financially sponsors a charity of their choice. The club provides a lawn tractor racing venue at its track in Petrolia as well as at fairs and special events in addition to the ten regular Sunday afternoon events at the home track. See these mighty racers at the Brigden Fair Sunday at 10:30 am and 3 pm.
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Feed them and they will come Ontario Trillium grant helps Moore Agricultural Society feed the masses A staple of a rural community is that as volunteers they work together to strengthen the whole. Our volunteers are our secret ingredient and with the $90,100 Resilient Communities Fund grant, Moore Agricultural Society set out to rebuild and recover from the impacts of COVID-19 by improving kitchen functionality, accessibility and energy efficiency. Through input from our membership and OTF’s assistance, we were able to update the floorplan and install new cupboards, stainless steel countertops, up to date refrigeration and labour saving storage systems.
For many years the volunteers of the Moore Ag Society have been preparing meals for the community in the original kitchen. A grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation has helped to complete a renovation at the fairgounds, left.
In order to assure that all new Health Unit regulations are followed, the current kitchen has been modernized to improve operations and the old non-commercial cupboards, that have been in place for over 50 years, were replaced.
Members of the Moore Agricultural Society, politicians and members of the Ontario Trillium Foundation celebrate the completion of the kitchen renovation
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Members of the Moore Agricultural Society in the old kitchen - left - and now in the new kitchen, renovated with an Ontario Trillium Foundation grant.
Space was limited so to improve the layout, we relocated the kitchen entrance to allow the existing hallway to be used for storage with floor to ceiling restaurant quality shelving. The new wider door also provides better accessibility for all volunteers, removing the previous step and installing an entrance threshold ramp from a wider sidewalk. The former pantry was reconfigured to house the pie making supplies and create a space for the Pie Ladies during Brigden Fair as well as providing a meat slicing area. With renovations to the Upstairs Board room and storage beneath, the Walk In Cooler was installed within the current footprint.
The Brigden Fairgrounds believes in the 4 R’s of Recycling - Rethink, Reuse, Reduce, Recycle and lessening their environmental footprint. Any cupboards, countertops, shelving units removed from the kitchen were repurposed in our Volunteer Diner, Emergency Trailer and Workshop. The procurement of up to date equipment and the space renovation ensures the kitchen volunteers are able to safely continue to provide the community with the excellent service they are used to and help the organization on the road to recovery. We have come a long way and look forward to serving you in the future.
Sarnia-Lambton MPP Bob Bailey, St. Clair Township Councillor Pat Brown and Homecraft President Cheryl McGuire get a look at the new cooler and the new pie counter in the renovated kitchen.
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Discovering grains Brigden Fair is very excited to have the opportunity to welcome the Grain Farmers of Ontario, Grain Discovery Zone Trailer. The Grain Discovery Zone is an interactive exhibit that travels around Ontario visiting fairs and other events to help consumers and youth understand about where grains are grown and the people that grow them. · Experience Ontario grains in many interactive activities designed for kids and families. · Explore the corn box with farm implement toys · Chat with the Grain Discovery Zone Ambassador · Discover Ontario grains with sensory bowls filled with Ontario barley, corn, oats, soybeans, and wheat.
The Grain Farmers of Ontario bring the Grain Discovery Zone to the Brigden Fair
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Petrolia 150 Events & Signature Town Events - 2024 JANUARY
• Monday 1 Petrolia 150 Event 1-3pm, 7:30pm-10:30pm
FEBRUARY
• Fri-Mon 16, 17, 18 & 19 Family Fun Days Weekend
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• Sat & Sun 25 & 26 Two Day Petrolia 150 Event – Greenwood Park • Saturday 25 Farmers’ Market Grand Opening
JUNE
• Saturday 1 Town - Pizzafest • Fri-Sun 14, 15 & 16 Three Day Petrolia 150 Event – around Petrolia
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• Monday 1 Canada Day Celebrations • Fri & Sat 12 & 13 Art in the Park • Saturday 13 Town – Barn Dance
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DECEMBER
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Thursday – Sunday, AUGUST 15, 16, 17 & 18 Four Day 150 Event – Around Petrolia, and Greenwood Park Events subject to change.
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