Blackstock Fair celebrates 159 years of community tradition this weekend

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

SCUGOG: For nearly 160 years, the Blackstock Fair has brought the community together to celebrate agriculture, local talent, and the traditions which make rural life such an important part of Scugog’s identity.

That tradition continues, on Saturday, August 29th, when the 159th annual Blackstock Fair welcomes families, farmers, exhibitors and visitors to the Blackstock Fairgrounds, for a full day of competition, entertainment and activities.

The fair is one of the region’s longest-running community events, with its agricultural roots continuing to take centre stage alongside plenty of entertainment, for visitors of all ages.

Fair buildings will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., although the action gets underway even earlier, with the 4-H Goat Club Achievement Day, at 8:30 a.m.

The morning schedule also includes the Saddle Horse Show, at 9 a.m., followed by the 4-H Sheep Club Achievement Day, at 9:30 a.m., and the 4-H Beef Club Achievement Day, at 11 a.m.

The 4-H program is a long-standing highlight of the fair, giving young participants an opportunity to demonstrate the skills, knowledge and the dedication they have developed throughout the year.

Horse enthusiasts will have plenty to watch throughout the day, as the Horse Pull will take place on the track at noon, followed by the Stick Horse Show, at 12:30 p.m. The Beef and Dairy Open Shows are scheduled for 1 p.m.

For younger visitors, Kid’s World will offer its own lineup of activities, including the Pedal Tractor Pull, at 2 p.m.

The fair will also feature a full afternoon of live entertainment.

The Outback Cloggers will perform, at noon and again at 2 p.m., while Comedy in Motion is scheduled for 1 and 3 p.m. Taylor Landry will take the stage at 1:30 p.m.

Inside the fair buildings, visitors can take in the various displays and competitions, including Tomato Soup Layer Cake Judging, at 2:30 p.m., and the Champion 4-H Show Person competition, at 3 p.m.

The day’s 4-H programming continues with the 4-H Dog Club Achievement Day, at 4 p.m., followed by 4-H Square Dancing.

Scugog Mayor Wilma Wotten said, the Blackstock Fair remains an important annual celebration for the community.

“The Blackstock Fair is such a wonderful example of the traditions and community spirit which make Scugog special,” Mayor Wotten explained. “For 159 years, people have come together to celebrate agriculture, showcase their talents and enjoy a day with family, friends and neighbours.”

In addition, she shared, the longevity of the fair is a testament to the volunteers, participants, and community members who continue to support it.

“It is wonderful to see generations of families continue to take part, whether they are showing livestock, entering exhibits, volunteering, or simply coming out to enjoy the day,” she said. “I encourage everyone to come out on August 29th and be part of this special tradition.”

While this year’s schedule offers a somewhat different lineup, the ingredients which have made the Blackstock Fair a summer tradition remain familiar: agriculture, friendly competition, entertainment, and community.