Main image: (back from left) Gail Terreberry, Sandra Strongman, Florence Smith, Barb Hartwick, Grace Cork, Ava Medland, Lorrie Lamb, Heather Kononuk, Linda Hayes, Dean Ungard, Mary Ellen Deane; (front from left) Joyce Hoddenbagh, Claire Villard, Madeleine Villard, Micah Oliveira, Isaias Oliveira, Lochlann Menard, Islette Greib, and Beckett Greib (supplied)
‘The little country fair with the big country heart’—the Stisted Fall Fair—has been promoting agricultural and home crafts since the late 1800s.
“The fair hasn’t changed much after 134 years. It still has a pioneer feeling to it with no power, arts and crafts, kids games and contests. Everyone loves it,” said Bill Spring.
Spring is both the associate director of the Stisted Agricultural Society and the emcee for the day of the fair each year. His wife Jeanine Spring is president and Fran Keevil is secretary. Both Bill and Jeanine have been involved in the fair for more than 38 years.
“Three years ago we expanded the horse show which enabled us to attract more entries and participants in both the horse show and other categories which has become a huge success overall,” said Spring.
Throughout the day there are different little events and contests for both kids and adults including a three-legged race, sack race, egg toss, shoe kicking, tug of war, nail driving, Swede saw, and cross cut saw. Prizes for those events are given out on the spot. Bigger awards and the submissions in the exhibit hall are presented at a later awards night.
“We’re trying to grow our participation from younger people to keep it vibrant for the future, said Spring. “We love when public school classes get involved with crafts. There are junior categories and senior categories for adults, could be anything from agriculture [like] vegetables and maple syrup, baking, knitting, quilts or even photography.”
The awards for the 134th annual Stisted Fall Fair were presented to the winners on October 10 at Muskoka Landing. The ceremony included presentation of the awards and prize money, a silent auction that supports next year’s event, and refreshments.
The major prizes awarded were:
W.H. Demaine Trophy for Participation and Excellence – Linda Hayes
Stan Darling Trophy for Family Participation – The Deane Family
Most Points in the Open Events in the Horse Show – Grace Cork
Most points in the Youth Events in the Horse Show – Ava Medland
Most points Overall in the Junior Fair – Isaias Oliveira
The Stisted Fall Fair was the only event that happened at the Stisted fairgrounds for many years. More recently, the agricultural society has hosted a fundraising music event called the Family Traditions HOOT (Helping Out Our Town)—which was founded by local musician Tina Turley in 2007—in June which helps support the fair in September.
For those interested in learning more about the organization, the Stisted Agricultural Society is hosting its Annual General Meeting on November 21 at Muskoka Landing. It’s open to the public. That night there will also be an election for open positions.
“We’re always looking for new people to jump on board,” said Spring. “That could be anything like director or if you can’t make it to the monthly meetings we’re always looking for people to help work on the building and the fair ground during the event. You can also contact us to help on fair day to run concession stand or join as a new judge. There is always a need for help.”
For more information, contact secretary Fran Keevil at 705-787-8629 or president Jeanine Spring at 705-789- 2972.
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