The 154th Harrow Fair was sporting a "Hog Wild" theme.  Again, beautiful weather provided patrons 4 days to enjoy all the vendors' wares, rides, games and food.  August 28th - 31st was a busy time for everyone involved.

Overall there were 7,150 items and animals to be judged. Our traditional pie auction was outstanding. Top pie sold for $2,400 to contribute to the grand total of $11,065. A nice addition this year was our 4H Art Club auctioning off a first place paper mache pig. Again, all funds were donated to the John McGivney Children’s Centre. Our opening ceremonies provided our local dignitaries an opportunity  to speak and welcome everyone. Janette Regnier-Mulholland, OAAS Homecraft President was our official ‘opener’. The Board of Directors presented a framed print to Janette for her dedication.

Entertainment began Thursday night with Dale Butler and friends. Friday we listened to the very popular John Berry. Saturday night we were entertained by a very charming man, Ronnie Prophet and Sunday afternoon we had our own very successful ‘ELVIS’ Jim Gibb.

Essex County 4H had 13 clubs reaching achievement days and their auctions were held Friday afternoon. Traditionally our scheduled events included the heavy & light horse shows, big town parade, children’s entertainers, tractor pull and lawn mower races on the grounds always pull in big crowds. Along with the vendors and delicious food, our guests were pleased with the variety of entries. Poultry, cows, swine, rabbits – Photography had well over 1,000 pictures entered. Canned goods, baked goods, beautiful quilts, art work and crafts, fruits and vegetables, flowers and grains were put out on display for all to enjoy.

Approximately 45 categories are organized by key committee chairpersons and their dedicated directors who plan year round. Their skills and creative ideas help showcase items brought in from all over Ontario and Michigan. Those groups have the added strength of over 200 adults and young adults volunteering countless hours before, during and after the fair weekend. Thanks goes to everyone for so much work. The office receives quite a bit of positive feedback from visitors who will return next year because they were so impressed. Well done!