The 125th Powassan Fall Fair; a returning tradition now at risk
It is the final weekend before the new school year and before hitting the books, hundreds of northern Ontario families were at the Powassan Fairgrounds.
The Powassan Agricultural Society hosted its 125th Fall Fair this weekend.
The fair has been around since 1895, making it 127-years-old; however, they lost two years due to the pandemic. The fairgrounds are located at 55 Fairview Lane.
Powassan Agricultural Society was established in 1895, making it 127-years-old, and has been holding the fair ever since. However, the fair lost two years due to the pandemic. (Supplied)"This is the first time in a couple of years ... hanging out with my friends and just having fun," said one attendee.
Moving into the future, the organizers are in desperate need of volunteers to keep the tradition going or it may soon come to an end.
“They come and help set up the tents and chairs and the bingo tables and the things like that. But the main adults and young people (organizers), we sure could use (more of) them," Monika Gibbings, of the Powassan Agricultural Society, told CTV’s Eric Taschner.
The fair offers something for everyone with face painting bouncy castles, exhibition displays, vendors, a reptile show, bingo, a penny table, a silent auction, live music and more. The fair draws in crowds from every part of the province and further.
“I've been pretty much with all these people venturing around and discovering new stuff," said another attendee.
“All over, all over from way up north to south. Some of them are even travelling over 200 miles," Monika added.
The highlight for Saturday was the heavy horse pulls and Sunday featured a demolition derby.
The derby is the final event of the fair. Locals know as the old beat up cars smash into one another, the summer is drawing to a close.
The 125th Powassan Fall Fair closed out with a literal bang as over 20 demolition drivers were smashing into each other on the track. (Eric Taschner/CTV News Northern Ontario)"I do it for the fans. My son and I, we both derby and we're in it for the fans. It might be both of us at the end. He may beat me and I might beat him… You never know," derby driver, John Bedard, shared with CTV News.
The fair closed out with a literal bang as over 20 demolition drivers were smashing into each other on the track.
As the 125th Powassan Fall Fair closes, the future of this age-old tradition will depend on finding more staff.
For more information on the Powassan Agricultural Society and the fair visit their Facebook page.
Story updated with files by CTV's Eric Taschner.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.