​Jacob Dykeman is new junior ambassador of Kincardine Fall Fair

Jacob Dykeman of Kincardine is the new junior ambassador of the Kincardine Fall Fair.

He was chosen at the opening ceremonies, Saturday, at Connaught Park in Kincardine.

It was sunny and warm for the 174th annual event as hundreds of children and their families filled the park, enjoying the bouncy castle, rock-climbing wall, trackless train, petting farm, corn box, and face-painting, as well as several other activities, including arts and crafts, bubble zone, balloon animals, and a gaming trailer.

The crowd also enjoyed watching the beef show in the morning, and the 4-H beef and dairy shows in the afternoon. This year’s beef show featured a Highland calf for the first time.

The opening ceremonies were held at Noon, with Kincardine Agricultural Society president Anne-Marie Gomes welcoming everyone, and thanking the volunteers who help make the event happen, as well as all the exhibitors, the sponsors and everyone who attends the fair.

“This event is a great opportunity to celebrate the past, educate people about the importance of agriculture in our community, and inspire the future,” she said.

Huron-Bruce MP Ben Lobb congratulated the agricultural society for its hard work and dedication in putting on the fall fair each year.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for everyone to see what livestock and crops actually look like,” he said. “All the kids will be celebrating and having fun today but it’s back to school on Tuesday!”

Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson said Kincardine always has great weather for the fair.

“It’s important to support agricultural businesses and farmers who work 365 days per year, providing high-quality food close to home,” she said. “Congratulations on the fair, and we can’t wait for the 175th fair next year. There aren’t too many fairs that have reached that milestone. Be proud of that!”

Kincardine mayor Kenneth Craig said the fair and agriculture have evolved over the years, and both are an important part of the community. “I’m proud to officially open the 174th Kincardine Fall Fair!”

Former fall fair ambassador Luke McBride was MC and welcomed three junior ambassador contestants to the stage - Claire Ferguson, Olivia Andrusiak and Jacob Dykeman - to present their speeches. They spoke of the importance of farming and the fair, and celebrating both in the community.

While judges Carole Machan, Cara Pennington and Reide Searle deliberated, McBride welcomed to the stage 10 contestants in the mini-ambassador competition. Mya Wolfe, 5, of Kincardine was named Princess of the Fair, while William Marks, 3, of Kincardine was named Prince of the Fair.

The judges then presented their results, and Jacob was named the junior ambassador.

Bessie Farrell of the Kincardine Agricultural Society presented the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies (OAAS) Service Award to Chris Hartwick for his years of hard work with the agricultural society, especially during the fair.

The afternoon featured live music in the Connaught Park Pavilion and on the fairgrounds, as well as the Cake Wheel, and the bale-rolling and bale-throwing competitions.