Have you ever been to real country fairs? If you have, you know how they feel, smell, taste, sound.
If you haven’t – well, it’s time.
The Delta Fair, in Delta, about a half-hour drive from Westport, begins July 23 and runs until July 26. This year, its 179th, will be as wonderful as always.
There’s a midway, of course. There’s a baby show, animal shows, pet shows, a pie auction, two King and Queen pageants (one for children); a talent show, children’s races and activities.
The parade begins at 2 p.m. in the fairgrounds on Saturday (July 25). There will be grandstand performances on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights (July 24, 2, and 26) featuring “Buddy Holly Live”, Kim Mitchell, and Ronnie Prophet.
You’ve never been there? You might be sorry if you miss it. It’s fun!
Also happening this weekend, on Saturday, July 25, is the Chaffey’s Lock Craft Market, with more than 40 artists and craftspeople on the lawns of the Opinicon Hotel, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine.
In another direction, at the Maberly Community Hall, there will be a Contra and Square Dance (on Saturday, July 25). If you’re a beginner, you might want to go at 7:30 for a lesson. The dance actually begins at 8. It’s open to all ages, and no experience is necessary. The musicians will be Sheesham and Lotus on fiddle and banjo.
There will be music in Elgin, too, on Friday, July 24. It will be a benefit concert held at Elgin United Church: “Both Sides Now: Poulenc to Porter”, featuring Edrie Means Weekly, soprano, and Margaret Ross, pianist. It begins at 7:30 p.m. Donations will help people in need of dental services.
On the long weekend (Friday, July 31 to Monday, Aug. 3), you can still go to a country fair if you missed the one in Delta. Or, of course, if you liked the one in Delta, you can revisit the fun in Lombardy. It will be held at the Lombardy Fair Grounds, also with top entertainment Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings at the grandstand.
If you’re hungry that weekend, you can go to the Chaffey’s Lock Annual Corn Roast on Saturday, Aug. 1 starting at noon at the lock; or, on the same day, to the Annual Chicken barbecue in Portland, starting at 4 p.m. at the Portland Community Centre.
In Westport on Saturday, Aug. 1, you can feast your eyes on antique cars, trucks, tractors, and carriages at the Westport Free Methodist Church, 85 Bedford Street, beginning at 10 a.m. Bring your camera!
On November 8-9, the Elgin and Area Heritage Society has prepared a World War 1 Commemoration event in honour of the men and women from North Leeds (Bastard and South Burgess, Newboro North Crosby, South Crosby, Westport). The EAHS has assembled a large amount of information and material relating to this division, which used the school yard of the Red Brick School as their training ground, of the 156th Leeds-Grenville Battalion. 
Join Us :