From live country music to competition, the 171st Harrow Fair had something for everyone

by Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative

The 171st annual Harrow Fair over the weekend,offered something for everyone through its “Wagon Wheels to Ferris Wheels” theme.

  Harrow’s annual ag-based fair is a destination for many, whether it be to enjoy the ACE midway and rides, shop at the vendors’ market, grab a bite to eat in the food alley, or compete in its many competitions.

  From needle work, photography, seeds, flowers, and vegetable classes, to others that judged culinary prowess, there were plenty of opportunities for residents to enter their best work to compete for a red ribbon and even a cash prize.

  The Harrow Fair is also the Achievement Day for many 4H Clubs, where youths were able to show off the animals – from cows to rabbits – and poultry they raised through the guidance and information they learned through their club, leaders, and special field trips to experts eager to share what they know.

  It was also a destination for live country music lovers, as Carson Janik performed on Thursday evening, Buck Twenty on Friday, Gord Bamford on Saturday, and Lauren Victoria on Sunday. The Harrow Fair Board always tries to promote Canadian talent, in addition to providing opportunities for local standouts to get some time centre stage.

  Some major attractions this year included performances from the Border City Barkers dog agility club, the Lawn Tractor Races, and the Tractor Pull onsite, in addition to the always well attended parade through the downtown area on Saturday.

  This year’s edition even brought back an old favourite in the Outhouse Races, which provided a good opportunity to raise funds for a specially selected cause, and for the crowd to get a kick out of the creative entries. 

  After several heats, the Harrow Firefighters team won the $200 prize, collected through entry fees, and were pleased to forward the funds to the local burn unit.

  In addition, this year’s Harrow Fair Pie Auction raised a record-breaking $18,150 for the John McGivney Children’s Centre.

  Overall, Harrow Fair Director, Emma Denotter, was pleased with how the four-day Harrow Fair went this year, noting the Board members noticed huge crowds throughout the course of the event. She added some of the food truck reps told her they were running out of food, a sure sign of high attendance and great engagement.

  The Harrow Fair is operated by a Board of 18 volunteers, and an endless list of other individuals who roll up their sleeves to help out leading up to and during the event. Without that commitment, the fair would not be a go, Denotter added. She thanked them for their efforts and the community for their unwavering support.

  The Harrow Fair is always a great way to wrap-up the summer, Denotter added