Food donations at the 168th Bolton Fall Fair filled three pickup trucks for Caledon Community Services, up from two at the previous fair, according to Albion and Bolton Agricultural Society vice-president Heather French.
The Caledon Citizen reported that the society waived admission fees on the Sunday of the three-day fair, asking visitors to bring non-perishable food instead. French said the donations would be taken to the Exchange.
Held September 25 to 27, the fair brought together agricultural events, live music, local vendors and family activities. Its programme included monster truck shows, pony rides, barn dances and competitions, with an opening ceremony on Friday and closing ceremonies on Sunday.
At the opening ceremony, former Senior Ambassador Kayla Emmerton highlighted the work of the people behind the event. She singled out French, who has helped with the Bolton Fall Fair for more than 30 years, while acknowledging the teamwork needed to hold it.
French said the fair gives neighbours a chance to reconnect and families an opportunity to maintain traditions across generations. Seeing former young visitors return with children of their own was a particular source of satisfaction for her.
Friday’s entertainment included Ramblin Soul, the Monster Madness Show and a barn dance featuring the Steve Waters Band. Saturday’s schedule included an FMX show, a Mad Science show, Power Wheels and a demolition derby.
Visitors also took part in a chili cook-off, a pie competition and an arm-wrestling competition. Wild Wild Woof Superdogs performed during the weekend, adding a dog show to the range of attractions.
Superdogs director of operations Amy White described the Bolton fair as one of the group’s favourite events. She said the performers hoped to connect with spectators and encourage them to have fun with their own dogs.
Sunday began with a pancake breakfast and included a community church service, a beef show, juggling, a K-Pop Demon Hunters performance, a baby show and tug of war before the closing ceremonies.
The pet show near the main stage also drew spectators. A chick named Dimples won both Best Pocket Animal and Best in Show. Its owner, Ella, said she had attended the fair for years and was excited about the awards.
French credited volunteers with making the event possible, including young people earning community service hours. Sonal, a high school student volunteering at the fair for the first time, said the experience helped her connect with the community and that she wanted to return in future years.
French also stressed the fair’s role in introducing visitors to local agriculture and helping them understand where food comes from. She said planning for the next fair would begin at the society’s wrap-up meeting.
