TEESWATER – Very few fairs have as long and storied a history as the Teeswater Fair.
The first fair in Teeswater was held in 1855, and has steadily been growing ever since. In 1940, just five years after the 1,000-seat grandstand was built, the grandstand was expanded to 4,000 seats. In 1946, a special train ran from Toronto to bring fairgoers to Teeswater.
In 1973, the tractor pull was first held at the fair.
And in 2023, the horse ring was repaired by local community members and businesses.
In one week’s time, all of the hard work and dedication of the roughly 200 people who volunteer their time to run the Teeswater Fair will be realized, as the 167th edition of the fair gets underway on Thursday, Aug. 17 and wraps up on Sunday, Aug. 20.
All that’s left to do, according to Teeswater Agricultural Society President Wendy McKague, is “pray for nice weather and a successful fair.”
“We’re really fortunate in our little community to have so many other service clubs that are involved and helping us throughout the fair,” said McKague, mentioning groups like the Teeswater Kinsmen, Teeswater-Culross Firefighters’ Association, and the newly-formed Teeswater Swans.
“The businesses in town and surrounding area are very generous with sponsorships and helping us out, too.”
McKague said the fair will appeal to young and old with the full slate of activities and events planned.
“It’s pretty much guaranteed to be a fun time for everyone. We’ve got something for everyone, young and old,” she said. “We really appreciate seeing everybody out and supporting the fair.”
New at the fair
A successful fair includes a healthy balance of returning favourite events, as well as new attractions. This year is no different.
Saturday, Aug. 19 will feature a family barn dance – with a twist. The dance will be a glow dance, with families encouraged to wear white and neon-coloured clothing. This is a family-friendly event, running from 7-8:30 p.m. in the newly-renovated barn in the infield.
Sunday, Aug. 20 will feature two new events – a cornhole tournament, and a barbecue ham and roast beef dinner.
The cornhole tournament gets underway at 1 p.m., with registration opening at noon at the hospitality tent.
“That looks like that’s going to be a pretty big event; there’s been a lot of interest in registration for that,” said McKague.
The barbecue ham and roast beef dinner runs from 5-7 p.m. at the complex. There will be no advance ticket sales for this event, and organizers ask that those coming for the barbecue only to arrive after 4 p.m.
Returning favourites
Among the several returning favourite events at the fair this year is Movie Night on Thursday, Aug. 17 at dusk.
Super Mario Bros. was selected by the public in a vote as the movie to screen this year. Movie Night is sponsored by the Nuclear Waste Management Organization.
“Movie Night has been a great success since we started it,” said McKague.
Also returning this year are several fan favourites, such as the ATV, tractor, truck and motorcycle pulls. And yes, the ever-popular snowmobile drag races will be conducted on Friday night.
“That’s been very popular with the locals, a lot of local rivalry in that,” said McKague.
There will be entertainment at the hospitality tent Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Friday night will see Land Lines perform, as well as arm wrestling matches. Saturday night will see Settler’s Creek take to the stage for an age of majority event, and Sunday afternoon will feature the stylings of Tommy Gilham.
Kidz Zone
The Kidz Zone will feature several entertaining activities for local youngsters, including a watermelon eating contest, pedal tractor pull, pet show, and a frog jumping contest.
“For the frog jumping competition, they do need to bring their own frog or toad,” said McKague with a laugh.
Changes
There are a few small changes to the fair this year, namely the relocation of two activities.
The inflatables have been moved indoors this year, to the Teeswater arena.
“(People) can get a weekend pass and not have to worry about rain; last year we got rained out on the Sunday,” said McKague.
The ever-popular Firefighters’ Breakfast will take place at the Teeswater fire hall, running from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 20.
Admission
Admission prices for the 2023 fair are:
– adults – $15 (Friday and Saturday), $10 (Sunday)
– youth ages 13-17 – $10 (Friday through Sunday)
– children under 12 – $2 (unless accompanied by an adult)
Weekend passes are also available. Adult passes are $30, and youth passes are $15.
McKague noted that any of the activities that require payment, such as admission, food vendors and the inflatables, are cash only.
With that said, there are plans to have two ATMs on site for those who need to withdraw cash.
More information
For more information, see the full schedule of events printed in this week’s issue of the Independent Plus, or visit teeswaterfair.ca.
