The smiles on the faces of the participants and spectators said it all last weekend as the Vankleek Hill Agricultural Fair returned to the fairgrounds with a downsized number of events for 2021.
The fair went forward with limited events this year. Admission was free except on Sunday, when a $20 admission fee was charged through an online Eventbrite purchase.
“It was a great weekend!” said Tara Barton Maclaren, who helped organize the Western Horse Show and riding events. “I loved the small community feel this year.”
The fair kicked off on Friday, August 20, with the Holstein Dairy Cattle Show. Saturday’s events featured the Western Horse Show events in the morning, followed by afternoon cowboy games. Also on Saturday’s schedule were the pancake breakfast and the Vankleek Hill Car Rally/Scavenger Hunt.
Events wrapped up on Sunday, beginning with an Antique Tractor Pull at the fairgrounds in the morning, followed by a Vintage Car Parade which wound its way through Vankleek Hill beginning at 12 noon. Afternoon entertainment included music provided by The Stragglers and Hadrian’s Wall, with refreshments available on-site.
Rose Huxted rounds a barrel in Saturday afternoon’s barrel racing at the Vankleek Hill fairgrounds. Photo Reid Masson
Ainsley Higginson (R) and Kyle Morrison wish each other luck as they wait for the start of the Western Horse Show on Saturday morning. Photo Reid Masson
Sunday’s Antique Car Parade featured vehicles of all types and vintages. Photo Barry Goudreau
The Stragglers performed on Sunday afternoon. Photo Barry Goudreau
Action from Sunday’s Antique Tractor Pull. Photo Barry Goudreau
Marlene MacKinnon (left) with Anna Wyman who won the Horace L.Nixon Perpetual Award- given for Top Novice Showperson from Prescott County. Photo Reid Masson
Left to right: Joanne Smith, Minna Donatucci, Meredith Dixon, and Janine Carter-Walsh show off their team spirit prior to Saturday afternoon’s Car Rally. PHOTO: REID MASSON
