New Cereal Food Drive record one of many highlights of 170th Dorchester Fall Fair

A New Cereal Food Drive record is one of the highlights of 170th Dorchester Fall Fair. CTV's Brent Lale reports.

Fall fairs are a staple around the provincem and every year, small communities celebrate rural agriculture life with events and activities during harvest.

In Dorchester, the community is celebrating its 170th anniversary.

“The exciting thing for me is seeing all the farmers come out, supporting each other and showing off their crops,” says Kathy Breen, president of the Dorchester Fair.

“I’m all about the animals and as a dairy farmer, and Ag [agriculture] building is probably my favorite part of our fair. Seeing the community come together like this is incredible.”

An annual tradition of the fair is the parade from the arena to the fairgrounds. Saturday morning hundreds of people braved the rain to take in the action, with more than 30 floats registered for the parade.

When they make it to the fairgrounds, there is a midway, displays and in Donnybrook Hall, a stack of cereal boxes from the annual food drive.

“A challenge goes out to all the schools and have great participation,” says Mark Williams, past president of the Dorchester Fair.

“It’s kids helping kids. We collect breakfast cereal for our local food bank and, few East End schools in London where the need is there. We’re probably close to 25,000 boxes of cereal that have been raised over the last 21 years.”

The Cereal Drive was the brainchild of former fair member Darrell George who passed away last year.

With more than 1400 boxes donated, the drive is reaching new heights.

“It’s almost 50 per cent over last year,” says Williams.

“It’s just amazing what people will do. We’re here as an avenue to put it all together and get it out to those who need it.”

Making the rounds at the fair is Ambassador Kyla Lewis. She’s a liaison between the board and those enjoying the festivities.

“I’ve lived in Dorchester for as long as I can remember,” says Lewis.

“The fair and the communities always held a special place in my heart. From watching the parade as a young girl, to participating in the trade shows and touring all the wonderful exhibits that we have going on at the fair. I really wanted to represent my community and show my passion for it.”

The fan runs until Monday evening.