Exhibition blending history, and good old family fun
Travellers in the Eastern Townships, and county fair buffs in particular, might begin 'county fair' season in one of the region’s most picturesque corners. Heading up the hill on Route 147 into the heart of Coaticook is a historic sight in its own right, and coming down from Burroughs Falls on route 143, bounded by green mountains makes its own impression. Either way, getting to the Coaticook Valley Exhibition, the first of the six Eastern Townships County fairs, is probably one of the most scenic trips around.
The exhibition itself is like no other in the region. Located high on the plateau, the fair offers visitors interested in historic farms the chance to watch the dairy herd crew milking the cows in a stable famous for its six ventilators on the roof and its unique structure. With hay bays on ground level and stabling underneath where ancient stone foundations and walls are still intact, the building truly is a sight to see.
But we diverge from the subject which is the exhibition itself; beginning as a popular milk festival in the heart of what is called the “milk basin of Quebec,” the exhibition was first organized by concerned milk producers in the immediate region worried their outstanding herds, record milk, and dairy products were not publicized enough. Together they came up with idea of promoting the region's outstanding record for quality dairy animals and record-breaking milk production. Begun 46 years ago, the event today has evolved into a real county fair where Jeune Ruraux and local Holstein breeders of black and white or red and white can exhibit their animals and win the right to brag a bit about milk production from animals which are for the most part classifed from 'very good' to excellent.
The fair begins with an opening banquet Thursday evening where the famous “Vison Blanc”, a milk based beverage, will be served. The tasty drink is a recipe held over from festival days when the milk-based beverage, (with alcohol or not) won the competition. It's a rousing start to what many folks call more of a folk festival. Beauce Carnaval supplies the midway, youngsters can try their muscles in a pedal bike 'pulling' contest, there is a place called 'Place de la Famille' where local productions such as goat meat and cheese, black currant sangria, maple-flavored beer and honey are prepared by the producers themselves. Friday is kiddies’ day, with the mini-farm ready to welcome youngsters with their socialized goats, sheep, ducks, poultry and even a pig or two. Judging begins at 9 a.m. for the Jeunes Ruraux in the show ring, while outside a variety of fun things is planned for the kids including hula-hoopers, a masquerade for young animals, and a kiosk where youngsters can climb into a giant balloon leaving only their lower legs on the ground and try to knock each other over. At 7 p.m., the traditional BINGO gets underway and truck and pick-up pulls begin at 7:30 p.m. This, the first full day of activities, ends with a fireworks display at 9 p.m.
Saturday is another judging day for local breeders. Here folks will only see young animals as the trend at many fairs is to leave their milking animals at home. Since government regulations require the milk coming from cows on exhibit not be used, the resulting loss of milk from their best producers represents quite a large expense. Nevertheless, spectators and exhibitors alike get the chance to see prime examples of young heifers with the potential of becoming outstanding animals in both production and conformation.
Saturday, the horse show begins featuring gymkhana classes, (timed events such as barrel racing and pole bending), there's an armwrestling competition and, of course, the kids in giant balloons will be back. Saturday evening tractors take over the pulling track in Open class, Super-farm and Pro-stock classes. Meanwhile, down in the Bistro tent, making noise of their own, the band Les Excommunices will provide the entertainment for the evening.
Sunday, begins with brunch at 10 a.m. followed by a Demolition Derby beginning at noon. The horse show continues all afternoon with the traditional drawing for money prizes scheduled for 4 p.m.
Admission prices are - Thursday - $10. Friday - 5 to 12 years - $5 which includes midway rides. 13 to 17 yrs - $10, not including midway rides. 18 yrs before 4pm - $15, no rides. 18yrs after 4pm, $20 no rides. Midway rides on Friday for this age group cost an additional $10.
Saturday, 5 to 17 yrs - $10, no rides. 18yrs before 4pm, $15, no rides. 18yrs after 4pm, $20, no rides. Midway rides cost an additional $10. Sunday, $15 per person for admission and rides. Claudiane Cote with the kid, (baby goat), her sister Veronique Cote, Chantale Ladouceur, Secretary Manager and president Roger Lapointe. "We grow a bit every year. An example is the number of entries of poultry of all kinds, over ninety head and that's three times what we had last year,: president Lapointe pointed out. "We've also more activities for children and there's lots of activity on the grounds besides the midway," he emphasized. "We expect between seven and ten thousand over the weekend and that will mean a good year," he added hopefully.