Maryfield Fair excitedly held a successful 100 year celebration on Thursday, July 23. Whether attending for the first time or a return visitor to the annual event, people of all ages enjoyed themselves.
The fair has endured for a century and remains a mainstay in the community as it draws in new visitors each year, while also bringing back relatives and others who once lived in Maryfield or the surrounding area.
This year the Ag Society was elated to have a large crowd attending and offered numerous attractions which were well enjoyed by all ages.
The day began with a pancake breakfast prepared by the Maryfield Auditorium Committee and was sponsored by the Borderland Co-op.
Held along Main Street in the late morning was the annual parade, which saw numerous entries coming from within Maryfield and the surrounding area. During the large parade, kids clamoured after candies, while a greenhouse drove in the parade passing out geraniums. An agricultural community the parade boasted entries of horses, 4H-ers walking their calves, tractors, and more.
Found this year on the fairgrounds was the annual Man-Sask Border Circuit horse show, as well as a Hunter/Jumper horse show.
The Man-Sask horse show welcomed 45 entries and has been a part of the fair for many years. Entrants participated in numerous classes for varied age groups, types of riding, and the gymkhana.
A total of eight participants entered into the Hunter/Jumper horse show, which is down from last year, but as the judge, Amanda Abraham, said, “People are out haying this time of year and it’s hard to get away at this time of year always, but the number of entrants we do have are enjoying it.”
“I’m a little surprised there’s not more because they do a very good job here, they have nice jumps, and there is good prize money that can be won.”
The day also boasted fun for youth of all ages with a petting zoo set up, bouncers, a mechanical bull, the SGI safety squad with games, and entertainment by Hoop Girl at 1 p.m.
Delicious pie was made once again by Shirley Campbell, while other food was available from the canteen. A chili cook off was held once again, which was well enjoyed.
According to members of the Maryfield Ag Society numbers were up this year within the fair exhibits ranging from field products to garden goods to plants to schoolwork, photography, crafts, and more.
In the evening, before supper, the annual exhibit auction was held with all proceeds going to STARS Air Ambulance this year.
The day concluded with supper followed by a performance by the Spotted Rain Dance Troupe from the Cowesses First Nation.
Found enjoying the day was Hubert and Audrey Freitag from Alameda. It was Audrey’s first time to the fair, while Hubert said he had been to it in the 1970s when he was a judge.
“We thought we’d come for old time sake, it’s a fair that I don’t have to work at,” Hubert smiled.
Audrey explained that Hubert has a petting zoo which he travels with, but it was a day off for the both of them.
“It’s a nice little country fair,” Hubert added.
Working at the gate for part of the day were Don Renwick and Garry Sweeting who were very happy with how many people they had seen coming through.
“It’s a good community event,” Renwick said. “It brings people into the community. This is a unique thing they have going on.”
Sweeting stated, “It brings home families and friends every year, with this being its 100th there’s even more who have made the effort to come home for it.”
“Hopefully they’ll be going for another 100,” Renwick added.
Those on the Maryfield Ag Society were all pleased with the turnout as well. Helen Johnson and Faye Gray were working at the informational table when walking into the rink. They echoed Renwick’s hope of another 100 years.
“I hope we can keep it going, if we had more people to come out and help then it’ll go for another 100 years,” Johnson said. “There’s a fantastic turnout today.”
