Fair Day in Rivers a full day

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Published on Wednesday, July 15, 2015

By Sheila Runions

 Banner Staff

Rivers Agricultural Society formed in 1910 and one of its goals throughout the years is to host a fair; there have been fairs for nearly 90 of those 105 years. The 2015 event was Wednesday, July 8 and it began (6:30 a.m.) with a pancake and sausage breakfast which was served to 287 people, 22 more than last year. The day ended (11:15 p.m.) with a fireworks display. In between was a myriad of activities for young and old, rural and urban.

The parade had four decorated bicycles this year (more than last year’s lone entry) and all were in the seven-and-under category; winners were Nate and Nia Stewart, Ravin and Oryx Therrien in first to fourth-place respectively. Three girls won the pet show; Amy McAuley and her goose Gus, Aurora Mikkelsen and her cat Twinkle Toes and Amie Creighton and her dog Bella. Other children’s activities included a sand scramble (searching for money), face painting and a fish pond (which raised money for Riverdale Daycare Committee).

Ag Society president Alice Fast says, “Entries were up over 2014 and attendance increased by 15 to 20 per cent, but our exhibits were down. Our youth competition was up from 2014 but there is still lots of room for kids to enter to earn extra money.”

Not one entry was received in the sheaves and grasses section (there are 10 categories) and of the 14 categories in the produce section, only one entry of rhubarb was displayed. Jean Ryall won the Leonard Frank Memorial Trophy for the highest points in horticulture; Marg Kroeger of Brandon and Sharon Wolstenholme won best of shows for their handicrafts; for the third consecutive year Mary Gervais of Griswold won the Bernardin-sponsored best of show for her preserve entries.

More than 200 people flocked to the west side of the grounds for the annual afternoon tractor pull. This competition lasted several hours and began with a pedal-powered event for the children, in which no results were recorded. The engine-powered event features first- and second-place cash prizes for five categories. Winners were Kerrie Gurr of Miniota and Tracy James of Alexander for the women; Mervyn Harkness of Souris and Kyle Gurr of Miniota for tractors under 6,000 pounds’ Murray Gurr of Miniota and Rod Patterson of Forrest for tractors under 8,000 pounds; Kyle Gurr and Jimmy James of Alexander for tractors under 10,000 pounds; Murray Gurr and Danny Gerrard of Oak River for tractors over 10,000 pounds.

There is no beef competition at Rivers fair but cattle are shown there because Rivers and District 4-H Beef Club holds its annual show and sale this day; watch for their report provided to this paper at a later time. Alice was unable to provide results for horses but says the MGRA event on Tuesday evening and the general horse show on Wednesday were “both up over 2014.” At least six carts were in the ring at one time for miniature classes, and light horses filled the ring for their assorted competitions.

While breakfast was served at the fairgrounds, supper took place at Riverdale Community Centre. Here Riverdale Daycare Committee held another fundraiser (both events raised $367) and for three hours (slightly longer than the meal hours) local volunteers agreed to sit at a dunk tank and take their chances at being soaked; volunteers were Dennis Jahns, Cam White, Brian Mitchell, Andrew Stevenson, Bruce Klassen, Andrew Hamm and Kelly Davidson.

“The beef supper is a joint effort with Rivers Ag Society and Rivers Band Parent Association. It’s too bad a rumour was circulating that the supper was cancelled — it’s best to go to the source for your information — thus, our numbers were down about 75-100 people. This year’s meat was prepared in Louisianna Smokers by Marlin Beever; thanks for the great-tasting beef!”

Following the meal supporters had the option of watching the dunk tank or going to the 4-H sale as events to occupy their time before free hot dogs (courtesy of Riverdale Municipality) were served at Millennium Park, the location of the fireworks.

“Thanks to all who support us in volunteering and in coming out to have fun at the fair. See you next year!”