“‘Cornstalks and Scarecrows” is the theme of Orangeville’s 161st Fall Fair, which runs this weekend from Friday, Sept. 4 through Sunday, Sept. 7.

Organized and operated by the Orangeville Agricultural Society, the fair has been in existence since 1854, 10 years before the town was incorporated. It is probably one of the oldest volunteer organizations in the County of Dufferin and hosts an event that is not exclusive to any member of the community, young or old.

In Ontario, the annual fair has always been a highlight in the activities of the year in our rural communities. Historically, the exhibition of wares was combined with entertainment, either in side shows or small midways and the local community band. Friendships were renewed, ideas exchanged and prizes awarded for the best fruit, baked goods or handwork, horses and livestock.

The present-day country fair is not a lot different. Livestock is judged and sometimes points given and accumulated for further prestigeatlargershowsor,justaribbontoa first time exhibitor that handled the calf well in showmanship is enough of an achievement. Home Crafts displays are making a comeback to fill the exhibition halls with co- lours, scents and oohs and ahhs. And, there are ribbons for those talented, artistic young folks as well.

This year, Friday is Midway Toonie Day. Although the Grand Opening Ceremony isn’t until 5:30 p.m., the first event of the day is a Dairy Goat Show at 11 a.m., It will be fol- lowed by a 4H Interclub Dairy Show at 1:30 p.m. and there’s tentatively an Ambassador competition at 4:30.

Following the grand opening, there’ll be a Horse Pull competition at 6:15, a Dufferin-Wellington Holstein show at 6:30 and a

Truck and Tractor Pull at 7:00.

Saturday is billed as Family Day, with the first events a Draft Horse Show and Rab- bit & Cavy Show at 9 a.m., a Rabbit Demo, Kiddie Tractor Pull and Motorcycle Show at 10:00, a 4H Beef Calf Club Achievement Day at 10:30, Doc Century’s Magical Medicine Show at 11:00, a Pet Show at 11:30 and Open Breeding Heifers at 12:00 noon.

In the afternoon, an Open Junior Beef Showmanship class and Citrus Dance Inc. are scheduled for 12:30, an Open Jackpot Market Heifer and Steer show and Kiddie Tractor Pull at 1:00, Tom’s Martial Arts at 1:15, and a Parrot Demo at 1:45. Doc Cen- tury’s show is on again at 2:00, and there’ll be a Dog Show at 3:00, Citrus Dance again at 3:15, Tom’s Martial Arts returning at 4:00, Doc Century’s show for a third time at 5:00 and Live Bands at 5:30. As well, there’s to be a Rock Climbing Wall and live music all day.

Sunday’s program starts at 9 a.m. with an Open Western Horse Show. It will be fol- lowed by a Miniature Horse Show at 9:30, a Horseshoe Pitch Competition at 9:30, a non-denominational church service and a Kiddie Tractor Pull at 10:00, Shorthorn and Charolais shows at 10:30, Garden Tractor Races and Citrus Dance Inc. at 11:00, and Tom’s Martial Arts at 11:45.

In the afternoon there will be a Kiddie Tractor Pull at 1:00, the Ontario West Zone Banner Hereford Show and an Aberdeen Angus Show at 1:30, a Sheep Show at 2:00, Citrus Dance back at 2:15 and Tom’s Martial Arts at 3:00.

The final event will be a Demolition Derby starting at 6:30.

All-day attractions Sunday include a fal- conry display, live music and a magician.