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Five Days of Fun at the Deerland Vegreville Country Fair
Five Days of Fun at the Deerland Vegreville Country Fair
Rosanne Fortier - News Correspondent
Entertainment and skill testing fun were unending at the 121st Deerland Vegreville Country Fair hosted by Vegreville Agricultural Society from August 7-11.
The event sprang in with the charm of the annual parade, showcasing glittery floats from many organizations and businesses and capturing the charm of town and rural life.
Right afterward, children with radiant faces giggled with glee from the electrifying rides at the midway.
Couples tried the games of chance where bright expressions filled their faces when they found out they won a prize for their partner.
Children jumped with joy at the Kids Fun Zone and at the Petting Zoo where they tenderly got up close with animal friends. Other popular attractions were the Minute to Win It, Kids Mini Tractor Pull and Strongperson Competition which tested contestants’ stamina in a fun manner where they could win prizes.
Next to the Bandshell, Vegreville and District Family and Community Support Services hosted a special game section to celebrate their 50th Anniversary.
The Open Horse Show rode in with skill and grace. This year, just shy of 100 competitors took part in the three-day show. Coordinator Russell Crowe mentioned that they had a good turnout of spectators and great weather!
“This show offers riders of all levels a chance to get out and showcase their talents, all with the hustle and bustle of a busy fair.”
The site with a showcase of talent coupled with imagination was presented at the Bench Show at the Exhibit Hall where there were approximately 1,450 entries and 150 exhibitors. The theme this year for this section was the Olympics. There were horticulture, quilting, sewing projects, handicrafts, cooking, writing, photography, and other handcrafted items. Coordinator Viola Braun-Fox said, “We also featured Sarah Melenka from the Vegreville Area who is participating in the Paralympics in Sitting Volleyball which is very exciting!”
Sarah provided this information. August 29th will be my first ever Paralympic game. I trained and competed with Team Canada for seven years and have accomplished so much with this team. They finished second at the World Championship in 2022 and second at the World Cup in 2023. Going into the Paris 2024 games the goal of their team is a podium finish.
“I am extremely thrilled to represent my country at the biggest games in sport. I think taking this tournament one game at a time will allow us to recover between matches and feel strong about our game plan against each opponent. I am so proud to be representing Vegreville at the Paris Paralympics and know I will have a community of support behind me.”
The evening of August 10 featured fireworks with dazzling displays of colourful sparks which exploded in the sky.
People who wanted to delve into the troves of authentic items or one-of-a-kind homegrown or handmade treats were found at the Indoor Marketplace or the Outdoor Market and Farmers’ Market.
All five days roared with the heart-pounding action from the Alberta Professional Chuckwagon and Chariot Association races.
Behind the grandstand was a cabin whose interior resembled the cabins that Ukrainians lived in, in Canada when they came from Ukraine from 1900 to 1930.
The Antique Tractor Pulls showcased the durability of farm machinery from years back and the participants’ determination. This also captured the perfect ending to the rural, downhome feel of the fair.
