Markham Fair Visited

Markham Fair

by Judi “Scoop” McWilliams

We knew we had arrived at the Markham Fair for two reasons. One, the traffic along the main highway had ground to a halt near the four corners. It took us about 20 minutes to get up to the front so that we could turn into the Fair’s entrance.

Secondly, as we waited patiently in line, we decided we would enjoy the scenery, which included magnificent barns, trees and fields of crops and flowers. Suddenly, we saw a man riding his bike, with a small child seated behind him. They were carrying a large yellow “blow-up” crayon that was precariously held across the handlebars.

We were definitely at the Fair!

Many, well identified, volunteers guided us through the massive parking lot to our final parking spot. The midway with its huge Ferris Wheel was the first activity we came across. We bypassed the midway so we could capture the other activities happening in the Markham Fairgrounds. It was late afternoon, but we still had plenty of daylight left.

Markham is a fast growing, multicultural community, and the Markham Fair is one of Canada oldest country fairs. Since 1844 the fair has been providing the community with a showcase for talents and products, in a friendly competitive spirit. With over 750 volunteers working on more than 75 committees, Markham Fair is the largest community based volunteer organization in Canada.

This great Fair attracts over 60,000 attendees, approximately 3,000 exhibitors who enter more than 12,000 items, which are judged and put on display during the fair!

The Markham Fair is very well laid out and offers almost something for everyone! A great hand out map assisted to guide us around.

At the Agri-Food tent, culinary demonstrations at the “So You Think You Can Cook At The Fair Competition” were taking place so that the audience could experienced various cooking styles!

They challenged the competitors to create an original local food recipe for the competition. The recipes required at least 3 local food ingredients and at least 3 food groups from Canada’s Food Guide.

The cost had to be less than $20 to make and be mixed, cooked and served on stage in 20 minutes. 

Before leaving the food tent, we wander around looking at the different booths.

After our “walk-about”, we decided to venture outside again.

There was still a lot to explore!

The crowd outside seemed to be growing.

 

We thought we might stop for something to eat, but the line-ups were too long.

Fortunately there was a better “distraction“! Heavy horses!

We wondered what was going on.

There was a man with interesting “contraptions” working near the back of two horses.

We were intrigued. We followed others into a large open building!

A heavy horse pull was about to take place.

The horses and equipment were being set up for the competition.

It was amazing to watch!

From the Heavy Horse Pull, we continued our tour of the Markham Fair.

Both inside and outside the was a lot to discover!

We walked from the agricultural displays and market place to the farm animal buildings.

The “hogs” were huddled, asleep.

Horses were looking for people to “love” them!

From the animal building, we toured the craft building and enjoyed the award winning exhibits.

Finally we decided to headed back outside.

By now, darkness had set in.

The air was beginning to get crisp and it was time to start to make our way to the car. Along the way the midway was now lit up with bright lights. Music was playing by a live band and the sounds of enjoyment filled the air. Much to our surprise tons of people were just arriving to the Markham Fair.

It was difficult to maneuver our way as we were now definitely travelling in the opposite direction of the crowds. The fair’s demolition derby was about to start.

The large grandstands were packed and the stands directly on the opposite side of the stadium were also packed. The roar of the crowds grew louder and louder.

We cut through some tents along the side of the grandstands. The night skies were dark and the Ferris Wheel that welcomed us at the beginning of our journey, shone brightly, lighting up a huge tree beside it. The vantage point from the sidelines was fantastic.

It was here that we got a “great photo shot” of the fairgrounds! We were also able to get wonderful shots of the demolition derby! This is one Fair that is a must “return visit required”! We can hardly wait for more new exciting experiences!