“The volunteer that works the fair is a unique brand of person,” says Wanda Lumley, President of the Huntsville & District Agricultural Society which organizes the annual Huntsville Fall Fair. “They enjoy seeing kids’ faces light up. They know the importance of educating people about the food that makes its way to their dinner plates and take great pride in their own expertise whether it is sewing a quilt or growing a giant pumpkin.”
The music and lights of the midway, with its thrilling rides, is just a small part of what makes this local fair the place to be. Cotton candy and caramel apples aside, some of the most delicious and creative items are kept inside the buildings.
Whether it took a moment to capture a perfect photo, an hour to bake the best chocolate chip cookies, or a season to grow the biggest zucchini in town, people in our community take pride in their entries displayed inside the fair buildings—an almost life-long tradition for some to show off superior stitches on hand-made quilts and display expertise in cultivating perfect blooms. The wait to see who takes top prizes in each category can be just as exciting as riding the Ring of Fire for those who’ve spent months preparing.
Brodie Rosbottom-Baumhour has been entering the fair competitions since she was a child, and says “…besides the midway and all the fun stuff going on at the fair, getting to see how I did on the stuff I entered (is the most exciting part).”
She believes that getting school children and every variety of person in our community involved is very important to the future of the fair. “We try our best to promote agriculture. Between all of the local gardeners and their harvest, crafts, preserves, flowers, photography—it’s nice to see all of the local schools in the community participate and all the local talent and creativity that goes into their exhibits.”
This year, fair organizers have added a chili cook-off to the slate of events, the proceeds from which will be donated to the Salvation Army.
Rosbottom-Baumhour has been volunteering with the Huntsville Fall Fair in different capacities for most of her life, presently taking the reins of the Western Horse Show, and doesn’t see her family tradition changing. “Now as I get older, I enter into the baking section and challenge my aunts and sister and other friends to see who’s taking home the red ribbon. It’s always for fun and some good laughs!”
The Huntsville Fall Fair runs September 21, 22 and 23, rain or shine, at the Huntsville Fairgrounds at 407 Ravenscliffe Road. Follow their Facebook page for updates. See the schedule of events, courtesy of the Huntsville & District Agricultural Society here.
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Thanks for your excellent write-up Jennifer …..it is important that your readers know how much the Agricultural Society appreciates the community support that we always get, whether it is through participation by entering exhibits, merchant donations or simply just attending, this tradition is very much alive and well. We are already making plans for next years fair and volunteers are always needed! Simply contact us via facebook or e-mail!!