Columns
October 09, 2008 09:28 PM
By: Jim Thomas
Something for everyone’ is an overworked phrase.
Often, it applies. Sometimes it doesn’t
With respect to the 164th annual Markham Fair, it surely did. There was indeed something for all at this four-day show of shows.
I felt privileged to be a part, not in a volunteer role, but only as an observer.
And I liked what I saw.
Truth is, I was amazed at what I saw. For, on the morning of Oct. 1, there was still much to do.
Then, at the opening, like the wave of Art Latcham’s magic wand, all was done. And the public responded, giving this semi-urban exhibition the praise and support it deserved.
Admittedly, official ceremonies can be a bore, too long on speeches and too short on thanks.
Not this time.
The formalities, led by Mary-Lynn Seeley, were concise, informative and humorous. They set a tone for what was to follow.
The Seeley/Cosburn association, extending through four generations, provided a platform for president Blair Seeley to both receive and deliver appreciative applause and grateful gratitude.
Stouffville’s Olympic silver medallist Karen Cockburn and husband Mathieu Turgeon received standing ovations.
Whitchurch-Stouffville council was represented by Mayor Wayne Emmerson and Councillor Phil Bannon.
But this was only the beginning. Our town was front and centre in almost every area of the fair and while impossible to include every red ribbon winner, the following attracted my attention.
In the elementary school exhibit, Whitchurch Highlands ranked fifth out of 37 entrants. Colleen Spencer, Frade 8, was declared top student.
Twins Hilary and Erika Romanuik were also prominent participants. Erika scored a first in the photography section while their mother, Rebecca, was a reserve grand champion in flowers and plants. Mrs. Romanuik also received the Ann Fabric Award for best Halloween costume.
In the big potato contest, Ballantrae’s Jared Simpson was tops with a spud weighing 4 pounds, 13 ounces. Marilyn Norton of Goodwood was runner-up. Her specimen weighed 3 pounds., 3 ounces. Brother Murray Norton was third. His entry tipped the scales at 3 pounds, 2 ounces. Marilyn Norton was the fair’s over-all potato champ.
Two Stouffville students were high-point winners in the 18-and-under class. Tatum Shantz was first in the pre-school division. Sawyer Gleason was tops in the 10-and-under class.
The quilt display was marvelous. Stouffville’s Wendy Ferguson won a grand championship plus the Reesor Family Needlecraft Award.
An entry by Helen Badgerow of Goodwood was reserve grand champion. A wall-hanging, completed by a quilting group from Stouffville United Church, won first. Anne Scott of Stouffville won a red ribbon with her beginner’s quilt.
Sheaves of grain made a comeback with Muriel Hoover of Dickson’s Hill winning a first, a second and a third. Lori Hulshof of Sandford won two firsts.
There were 2,078 entries in the photography class. Ken Jarvis of Stouffville had one first, a second, six thirds, a fourth and a fifth. Cara Hawey, also of Stouffville collected three firsts, one fourth and two fifths.
Vocalist Susan Brown, brought audiences to their feet with concerts Friday and Sunday. She shared the stage with flutist Lesley Joosten of Uxbridge. Their accompanist was Murphy Hung, director of music at Ebenezer United Church in Milliken.
The antique implement display included a self-oiling windmill owned by Gould, Shapley & Muir Co., Ltd., of Brantford. It operated a pump provided by Earl Appleton of Unionville. Ashmore Reesor’s model LA Case powered a McCormick threshing machine, donated to the fair by Ivan Norton, president in 1975.
Faye Reesor, a resident of the Markham-Scarborough townline, was the senior of seniors attending Markham Fair. Mrs. Reesor signed in at age 101. She’ll celebrate her 102nd birthday next month.
The Cavalcade of Horses, organized by the Purcell family, included a special feature Saturday. The procession hosted fair ambassadors dating back to 1954 when the first competition took place.
Stouffville’s Sharron (Law) Brazier, a first runner-up, was in attendance. The winner that year was Joanne (Robb) Hindson, now of Unionville. The second runner-up was Carol (Leadbetter) Petersen of Bracebridge.
Congratulations to Rebecca Riehle of Stouffville, reserve grand champion at this year’s baby contest. The grand champion was Emanuel Cappello of Markham.
Other class winners from Stouffville included: Chase Casella, 3-6 month boys; Corey Blandizzi, 6-9 month boys; Emily Chaput, 12-15 month girls; Devin Hollands, 12-15 month boys and twin girls, Abigail and Alivia Lusk.
Any disappointments? Only one. In a thorough search, I couldn’t purchase a single piece of pumpkin pie, leaving me to conclude Joyce and Myrna should open up a Lapp/Burkholder dessert booth at next year’s fair.
Jim Thomas is a Stouffville resident who has written for area newspapers for more than 50 years.