Images of the 2008 Markham Fair
article and photos by Grant Weaver, GuidingStar.ca
GuidingStar.ca spent Saturday, October 4th
at the Markham Fair and enjoyed the
wide variety of exhibits, events and demonstrations that make it a
high point in the year for our community.
The first Markham Fair was held in 1844 and, 164 years
later, it is one of the largest agricultural fairs in Canada.
Many events and attractions were designed to draw
families, and especially children, who are not from a farming
tradition. Visitors also had the opportunity to view, touch and
experience the many agricultural exhibits, and to learn more about
how food is produced. These included cow milking and sheep shearing
demonstrations. At “Old MacDonald’s Farm” you got up close and personal with
the whole range of farm livestock — baby chicks, pigs (including a
sow with a nursing litter of ten), sheep, goats, cattle and
horses.
The Entertainment Tent and Outdoor Stage featured great acts throughout the day.
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The spectacular six-horse teams are one of the highlights of the
Fair.
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limbering up for the light horse competition |
Craig McDougall with Belgian brood mare Misterstia |
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Nothing to be sheepish about! Lloyd Skinner
and his prize-winning North Country Cheviots. |
Two year old Evan sees eye to eye with his four-legged friend. |
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Chris Reesor has hooked up the milking machine to Bessie and the
fresh milk pours into the tank (above blue tube). |
Lorne Smith invites kids to feel the fresh warm milk. |
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Juggler Kobbler Jay elevates his game. |
Here is one chicken who is as proud as a peacock. |
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Alpacas in the Livestock Building |
Lunch time at the Old McDonald's Farm |
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The amazing Lincoln Leapers give new meaning
to the phrase "Skip it!" |
BMX rider stunts
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George Reesor explains a 1908 Moody gas engine
which was used to drive a livestock feed grinder |
a 1918 drag saw in action |
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a typical Markham draft animal .... |
Here is enough to keep the whole town of Markham in
pumpkin pie for a month! |
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Elaine Rennie Preston from the photography committee
shows us some of the more than 2,000 entries. |
Jolene Johnson, Brianne Bell and Katie Will told us all
about the York chapter of the Junior Farmers Association of
Ontario. |
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Carole Trueman, Sandra Wilson (both in red) and Carlene Flynn
from the Christmas Collections committee |
Marjorie Carter and Joyce McDowell display
some of the many beautiful craft exhibits. |
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Janet Starkey and Elisabeth Truesdell
demonstrate their many skills. |
Don Zecchino from Aurora, carver extraordinaire |
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Kick Up A Fuss cloggers got everybody's toes tapping.
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conductor Doug
Manning with the Markham Concert Band
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Monster Truck ride! |
Getting into the swing of the Midway!
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Rock climbers achieving new heights! |
Jeff and Melissa Whitaker, with son
Jackson and their newly-won pet! |
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Stephen with sons
Daniel and Jacob
and their hard-won prizes |
Timothy Chiu, York
Region Police auxiliary constable,
gave Fair visitors a tour of a YRP vehicle. |
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The Toronto Banjo Band puts in a plucky
performance. |
Floating above the crowd |
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