by Garrett Fodor
On Sunday, area residents had a chance to celebrate the changing of the seasons.
While it rained early Sunday morning, the Rotary Club of Cottam’s plan to host the 57th Annual Cottam Horse Show and Fall Festival at Ridgeview Park was not derailed.
The day featured something for everyone to enjoy. Beginning at 8:00 A.M., residents were able to enjoy a pancake breakfast. Activities carried on throughout the day, including horse demonstrations and a show, the annual chili cook off, face painting for the little ones, and pony rides.
A crowd-favourite was also highlighted on Sunday afternoon, the parade through Cottam, which showcased the horses and the agricultural heritage in the community of Cottam.
Jamie Heinrichs is the President of the Rotary Club of Cottam and has been involved with the event for the last nine years. He said this festival is unique and something the community looks forward to.
“This is the only festival Cottam has, so we have the Fall Festival to get everyone in the community out for one last fun day,” Heinrichs said. “Last year, we had about 1,500 people attend, and this year, we’re hoping for 2,000.”
Heinrichs added the point of the festival is to bring the community together. With the event being free of charge, everyone is invited and able to participate. The event also showcased local vendors and organizations in the community that residents are able to chat with and support.
The Fall Festival is the Rotary Club of Cottam’s biggest fundraiser. Heinrich said the funds the organization raises always supports local initiatives.
“The money goes back to the community, whether it’s bursaries for high school students, or supporting the 2nd Cottam Scouts, or buying a new pitching machine for Cottam Minor Baseball,” Heinrich said. “It is our goal to help grow and make our community a better place to live.”
The Rotary Club of Cottam’s next fundraiser will be its Christmas tree sales, which will begin later on in the fall.