While Gary (aka Festival Nomad) and I lived and boated in the Peterborough area for a few years, one of our favourite stomping grounds was Bobcaygeon. This quaint village is part of the Kawarthas Northumberland Tourist Region (RTO) is located on the Trent-Severn Waterway. Lock 32 allows boaters to travel from Pigeon Lake to Sturgeon Lake. The downtown restaurants and shops welcome visitors during all four seasons. The canal that runs between the two lakes attracts both boaters and onlookers. A bridge that crosses over the canal “swings” to allow larger boat to pass through the canal. All of this adds to the ambiance of the town and area.
“Bobcaygeon waterway”
The Bobcaygeon Fall Fair takes place each September. When we arrived to visit the Fair, the trees that surrounded the canal and lakes were in full colour and were made more spectacular by the sun and their reflections in the water!
“Marching Band in the Bobcaygeon Fall Fair parade.”
The fairgrounds are located at the south end of the Village. After driving around the streets surrounding the fairgrounds, we finally found a spot in one of the parks that runs alongside the canal.
“Fair Ambassador rides in the parade.”
We were just in time for the Fair’s annual parade. We grabbed our “festival gear” and hurried to the nearest parade route.
“Kawatha Settlers’ Village float”
Fortunately it turned out to be a spot near where the parade ended and close to the entrance of the Fair.
“Interesting parade costumes”
Even though the street was lined with parade watchers, there was enough space to take a lot of great photographs. The great thing about fair parades is the community spirit that they evoke. The Bobcaygeon Fall Fair parade was no exception! Music filled the air; old cars with village dignitaries and celebrities, horns blaring; float decorated with harvest bounty; kids in costumes; dogs, horses and so much more passed by pass! The parade was an hour long and was one of the best we had seen in a long time.
“Lining up for the Fair.”
When the end of the parade arrived, the crowd headed for the entrance gates. We followed the crowd to the ticket booths and then entered the Bobcaygeon Fairgrounds.
“Bobcaygeon Fairground Gates”
It was still early in the day, so the Midway wasn’t too crowded. As a result, we easily wound our way to the Horse Show. In front of the grandstand, horse drawn wagons circled hoping to impress the judges. We stood at the end of the show area taking great shots of the proceedings. Here we were able to take some fantastic “close-up” photos! At the end of the judging we were able to witness the ribbon presentations.
“Heavy horse and wagon show”
We left the horse show and explored the exhibit hall. Inside we admired the different displays and exhibits. Back outside in sunlight, we watched more horse and wagon judging.
“Exploring the displays and exhibits.”
From there we visited the cattle and animals barns.
“Nap time”
Beside the barn was a Show ring were cattle were being shown and judged.
“Cattle Show judging”
Nearby was another Show ring were a Western Horse competition was taking place. I was able to take close-up photographs of both competitions. During the cattle competition one of the cows became agitated and broke away from its handle. It started to charge around the ring trying to find a way out! Finally it saw that the barn door was open and it made its way to the door, head down! Suddenly one of the “ring helpers” stepped in front of the door and the charging cow! He shot up his hand, ordering the cow to STOP! IT DID! Everyone let out a “sigh” of relief. With the “raging” cow back with its handler, the competition was completed. Unfortunately the “offending” was not a winner.
“Western Horse Show”
“Exhausted” from all excitement, we made our way, through an increasing crowd, to the entrance. We passed through the Midway, rides whirling around us! Laughter and screams filled the air!
“Midway ride”
Before we exited, we decided to take a look in the Fair’s community centre. Inside there were commercial displays and an entertainment stage. On stage, “Spin Cycle” was performing to the amazement of the audience.
“Inside the Community Centre”
We exited “stage left” and walk back to our car. On the way we enjoyed all the brilliance of the fall colours! The Bobcaygeon Fall Fair is certainly a great community effort!
“Back through the crowd to our car.”
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