Labour Day weekend brings relaxation and rest, but fun can be found at the Perth Fair, an annual tradition more than a century and a half in the making. The 179th edition of the event works to bring together agriculture and entertainment, drawing in thousands every day, according to president Dale Campbell. “It’s important everybody gets together,” he said. “Sometimes, you don’t see people for a year, and you get to see them at the fair, you know?” Craig Boyd has friends visiting from Brampton. He says the group times their yearly visit as often as they can. “It’s got everything. The food’s great, the rides are great. It’s just the best one in the area, I think,” he said. “Growing up or wherever we lived. We were always at the fair. The same smells and sounds. It’s absolutely perfect.” Campbell says the event is run by hundreds of volunteers. There’s a wide range of events for people to join, including a midway, races, an antique car show and cattle shows. Director Jeannie Seguin says the fair brings together the agricultural community and is meant to help families and kids understand where their food comes from. “It doesn’t just come from the grocery store, it comes from our farmers.” she says. “We have to support those farmers and those young people that are wanting to become farmers. That’s going to be their life business.” Lisa Crawford, owner of The Dusty Rose Boutique, says she has set up a stand for the last five years because it helps businesses like hers year-round. “It brings in a lot more people who we may not reach, than just being set up in the store during the week,” she said. “We get to meet new people, new customers, new clients, kind of introduce ourselves to a whole group of new people.” The Cartright family from Ottawa has a cottage in the area. The annual event has become a tradition for them, explains dad Phil Cartright. “Last weekend of summer memories,” he said of his two kids enjoying the fair. “It’s a great way to see them having fun together. Which is really special.” The Perth Fair runs until Sunday.
