Celebrating fair’s history while looking to the future
This year’s Norwood Fair attracted 38,850 people
The Norwood Fair is finished for another year, although a quick look at the fairgrounds might leave a person wondering if there really was a fair on Thanksgiving weekend. The livestock are back home, the midway rides are packed up and the grounds have been picked clean. A years’ worth of planning cumulated in a whirlwind of three spectacular days, then it disappeared to patiently wait for next year.
Looking strictly at attendance numbers the 2018 fair did not break any records. However, it was still a good year, especially considering Mother Nature supplied plenty of clouds and a large dose of rain over the weekend. This was, however, a recordsetting year for the Norwood Agricultural Society (the group responsible for the fair) as this is its 150th year.
In total 38,850 people came through the gates to enjoy the many sights and sounds that make up the village’s well-known Thanksgiving this year. Exhibits in all areas were all of the high quality that the fair is renowned for. Outside, the same quality and pride was also obvious in the many animal shows and competitions.
The rain cleared up just as the Saturday parade started allowing spectators to enjoy the many floats, bands, horses, etc. as they wound their way through the village streets. The always anticipated classic car show on Saturday was another hit with a decent showing despite a cool and wet day. Old and familiar standbys such as the heavy horse draw, antique tractors, EIEIO petting barn, and the Lawn Mower Races all continued to be crowd pleasers.
In her address at the opening ceremonies, fair president Kerstin Walsh shared a few personal and family stories that demonstrated the important role that the fair has had and continues to have in her life. Fair Ambassador Abbi Begg and local and provincial government officials also spoke. Asphodel-Norwood Mayor Terry Low presented the fair with large plaque highlighting the fair's long history. The red ribbon to officially open the fair this year was cut by Andy Elmhurst, a longtime supporter and past president of the fair. His family involvement dates back to the very beginning, as his great great grandfather Frank Birdsall opened the first fair in 1868 and served as president for 46 years.
This year’s theme was Proud of the Past, Poised for the Future. The fair's mandate today is the same as it was 150 years ago to maintain and showcase the areas agricultural pursuits. From its earliest days the fair has served as a homecoming of sorts, a place to gather for a few days for some friendly competition and to catch up on the latest news with family and old friends, it still fulfills this role today and perhaps therein lies one of the secrets for its success.
The main reason for the fair's success however is not a secret at all. It happens because of the cumulative efforts of a truly amazing group of volunteers. These community-minded individuals are blessed with an incredible range of talents and it is these individual passions and skills that come seamless together each year to create one of the most respected fairs out there.