Sue Linklater has been a resident of Trout Creek for the past 37 years.
Standing on the sidewalk with other bystanders, she peers down the street, patiently watching for a sign that the parade, which kicks off the annual Trout Creek Agricultural Fair, is approaching.
“We’re strong supporters of the community, so we come to anything that’s going on here. We’ve attended the fair for years, and we always come to the parade whether it’s big or small. We’re here because the people who are participating deserve applause,” said Linklater.
“What I like about the fair is seeing people I haven’t throughout the year because they do come for the fair. And I like seeing all the things people have submitted like the preserves, the vegetables, and flowers.”
Originally from southern Ontario, Tonya Eckensviller now calls Trout Creek home, along with her two-year-old daughter Ella, and her husband Jeff who was raised in the small community.
“We try to take in at least a part of the fair, whether it’s the parade or the pancake breakfast, or just walking around and seeing what’s here. We have some relatives in the parade so it’s nice to support them.”
Husband Jeff has fond childhood memories of the fair.
“I remember preparing exhibits with help from my grandmother who was a judge and an active participant at the fair. She wasn’t allowed to judge my entries, but she knew what the judges were looking for,” laughed Eckensviller.
“I grew vegetables with the help of Mom and grandmother. They’re great memories that I will always have. In a few years when my daughter is older, she might carry on the family tradition by taking part.”
This marks the 98th year for the fair, organized by the Trout Creek Agricultural Society.
President Don Thompson says the two-day event offers a little something for everyone, from inflatables for the kids to a live bird show, to the annual baby show, to the 42 vendors set up both inside and outside the arena, as well as the live entertainment.
“We also have a two-day light horse show. It’s all worthwhile seeing. For a small town we do put on a pretty good fair,” said Thompson.
Judging the horse show was Cally Jo Fritz, who brought her 20 years of experience to the competition.
“I’m looking for a nice balanced horse, one that’s giving a nice ride. I’m looking for one that’s not bobbing its head, and it looks like it’s comfortable and happy,” explained Fritz.
“The quality of horse and rider here is very good. It’s hard to judge.”
Day two of the fair included a car show held inside the arena, drawing participants from across the province.
“There’s about 40 or 50 cars in the arena. Some nice ’55 Chevs and Fords, which is from my era,” laughed Thompson.
Society secretary Linda Pugh explains that the fair is one way for local people to reconnect.
“Trout Creek is a small little town, and we try to get all the area communities to come in and participate. So this year we advertised by social media. We’ve got people from Loring coming in, we’ve got people from Arnstein, and we had a family vacationing in the area who saw our advertising and wanted to come here. We don’t charge admission, it’s just by donation,” said Pugh.
“That money will go back to the society to pay for some of the fair attractions, and prizes.”
The society president is encouraging people to be part of the planning committee. In two years the fair will be celebrating its centennial, and organizers are already planning events as part of that 100-year celebration.
“We’re always looking for help. So, if anyone wants to volunteer, we’d be happy to have you,” said Thompson.