What has become an annual tradition for the Cookshire-Eaton municipality and the Haut-Saint-François region begins in a bit more than a week. This year’s Cookshire Fair is to take place over the four days of Friday, August 16, to Sunday, August 19. More than 10,000 visitors are expected at the agricultural fairgrounds looking for what has ensured its success for close to 175 years: animals, machinery and amusement park rides.
Expected Returns
The Cookshire Fair is part of the DNA of the region, and is a rendezvous point for rural and urban worlds. For some, the Fair is a time to meet up with childhood friends they went to school with. In 2018, this annual get-together continues to build on its traditional foundation.
Whether by machine or by horse, the pulls are what distinguish the Cookshire Fair from others. On Saturday, August 18, the Association Sportive de Tire de Tracteurs du Québec arrives in town with its tractors, trucks and other semi-trailers. The next day, it is the turn of draft horses to be featured in a similar show of force. The day is to begin with a grand final parade, bringing together all the exhibitors who have taken part in the event.
Animals are to be in the spotlight as well, during competitions and judging events. Several categories will mark the four days of activities. Friday belongs to poultry, sheep and goats. During the day on Saturday, beef cattle and Ayrshire and Holstein milk cows will be featured, and competitions of equestrian agility are to take place in the arena.
The weekend of festivities begins on Thursday evening with the traditional bingo game. The rides for children and adults will also be in operation every day. Not to forget the sewing demonstration on Saturday morning inside the main building. Adding spice to the whole event will be performances by the Country Swingers and the Slightly Haggard music groups.
Proper Preparation
The president of the Cookshire Fair, Jonathan Sylvester, reminds us that the agricultural fair organizers prepare early for this event. For example, they carried out their mechoui and Show’N’Shine fundraising activities last May and June. Sylvester, who grew up on a dairy farm near Sawyerville, presented certain of his own animals during this event when he began to be involved in the organizing committee some 15 years ago.
Even though the first edition of the agricultural fair was in 1845, the event has withstood the test of time, and its organizers envisage the future with hope. The fair’s main building is more than 80 years old, and it is the next big project in the renovation of the site. Its roof leaks, and the structure is without a basement or a foundation. Those who meet in the building have to submit, sometimes, to the vagaries of the outside weather. Nevertheless, the team is still on the lookout for new and enthusiastic members to ensure the continuity of this event.
