Fair attracts a crowd

Christmas Island event a community tradition

For close to 70 years, the Christmas Island Community Fair has entertained hundreds of residents across Victoria County.

The annual fair will take place on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Christmas Island fire hall.

The one-day fair will feature many different events including a car show, competitions, bake sale and a flea market.

Libby Henderson, member of the Christmas Island Community Fair committee, said the fair has always been well supported.

“We have had great success with it over the years, we have always had a good turnout,” she said. “It’s not just a Christmas Island fair, it’s for those in the surrounding communities as well — everyone waits for this fair.”

Henderson said the big draw is the annual car show.

“We usually have 35-40 cars and they just park in the field and everybody goes out and walks around them and enjoys the day,” she said. “We get hundreds of people attending each year.”

The community fair also features a tea biscuit competition, where local residents submit their favourite baked goods.

“Everybody waits to see who wins that competition — it’s always a big hit with those who come out every year,” laughed Henderson.

“The fire department’s ladies auxiliary also sells their famous chili at the fair and everybody looks forward to that too.”

Along with Henderson, the fair committee consists of Anne and Kevin MacKenzie as well as Theresa and Donnie MacNeil. Students from the Rankin School of the Narrows also help with the setup and cleanup of the event.