VKR Ranch continues Bedford Fair tradition
The land is quite flat around St. Armand and Philipsburg — cereal grain country where fertile soil was deposited when this plain was part of the sea that today is known as the St. Laurent River. Distillers’ corn was a main crop for decades and travellers in the area found themselves travelling in what seemed like a tunnel of green on each side of the highway.
It was out here, where sometimes the sand blows and the sun beats down extra hot, that the Robinsons began the odyssey which is now in the hands of the next generation. Firm believers in the importance of efficient food production and the development of quality family lines of beef-type animals, the VKR Ranch has become a legend at many county fairs, but especially at the Bedford Fair where the family will bring an exhibit of beef animals once again this year.
The passing of Valance Robinson last winter has saddened her family of boys and one daughter, Ruth. But the resolve to continue the tradition which has brought VKR Ranch animals to the Bedford Fair for more than 70 years will go on.
Valance insisted on keeping up exhibits of her prize-winning tarts and sweets even as the years began to take their toll on her health, working in partnership with daughter Ruth, baking, making jellies and jams for the last days before the fair, snipping flowers and choosing vegetables in the garden when the first streaks of dawn light brightened the sky, overseeing the training of young animals and quieting worried, maternalistic females with their calves at foot. The Robinsons worked together but Valance was their guiding light and inspiration.
We always found time for a visit at Bedford Fair. A tray of the Valance specialties would appear and memories of old times and what the future might bring were always uppermost in conversations. A devoted wife, mother, and a firm believer in the importance of her county fair meant Valance Robinson would be welcoming visitors to the family trailer every fair day. This year her lawn chair will be empty, but anyone who knew her will be certain she won’t be far away. And the family will be there, most certainly with the usual pan of treats and warm welcome, guaranteeing that long history of involvement in their county fair continues for many years.
The Robinsons have another surprise for folks to enjoy this year. Along with Miss Molly and Sir Arthur, two adult donkeys with Surprise, now a 3-year-old, will be the newest addition, Lilly. Lilly is not even a month old — still wearing her coat of baby fluff — making her probably the youngest baby animal on the grounds this year.