Massive crowd converges on Ripley for 161st annual fall fair and parade
By: Liz Dadson
September 30, 2024
The 161st annual Ripley-Huron Fall Fair drew a massive crowd to enjoy a multitude of activities under a bright sunny sky, on the weekend.
The highlight Saturday was the mammoth parade which saw numerous floats, antique and vintage vehicles, trucks and tractors, as well as individuals, groups and organizations, all dressed for the fall fair theme: “Fall Trees and Honey Bees.”
The Kincardine Scottish Pipe Band led the parade as it left the soccer fields on Park Street, marched past Rosewood RVilla Retirement Living, down McGill Street, across Tain Street and back to Huron Street before turning down Queen Street to the fairgrounds.
The Kincardine Scottish Pipe Band leads the Ripley-Huron Fall Fair Parade
Following the parade, MC Murray Needham welcomed everyone and noted that the fair once again enjoyed fantastic sunny, hot weather.
Huron-Kinloss mayor Don Murray congratulated the Ripley Agricultural Society on another great fair to mark the 161st year. “This is a huge community effort and I want to recognize all the directors and volunteers for all they do to put on this event.”
Huron-Bruce MP Ben Lobb also praised the organizers and the many volunteers. “It’s great to be here at another wonderful Ripley-Huron Fall Fair. It’s a beautiful day and it’s amazing to see such a large crowd. Enjoy the fair!”
Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson said this fair is one of the biggest around, with lots of activities going on. “That was a mammoth parade. Be proud of your community and your many wonderful volunteers.”
District 10 provincial director Jess Cook officially opened the fair and commended the agricultural society on a marvellous event. “We rode in the parade and it was great to see that the route was crowded with so many people.”
The Teeswater Highlanders Pipe Band marches in the parade
The Gordon Patterson award for the most points in three field crops, went to Smeltzer Farms; the milk award went to R.G. Harris Farms; the Judy Thompson homecraft award went to Diane Budnar; and the junior exhibitor award went to Owain Claridge.
The crowd enjoyed hearing the Kincardine Scottish Pipe Band and the Teeswater Highlanders Pipe Band perform in a massed band.
The Kincardine Scottish Pipe Band joins the Teeswater Highlanders in a Massed Band performance
Entertainment was provided by the Irish Cowboys, and the many activities included Greg Balch Wildlife, the Kinetic Knights robotics demonstration, Sheep and Light Horse 4-H Shows, midway, archery, Yungblut Timber Art, laser combat, pony rides and petting zoo, alpacas, Snippity the Clown, Escape Rooms, Ripley Wolves puck shoot station, car show FMX show, and the Super Dog Show.
Lucas Wilson, the Illusionist, drew huge crowds in the auditorium at the Ripley-Huron Community Centre. He and his assistant, Catherine Grant, fascinated the audience with several illusions, including Human Tetras and the fastest escape from a straitjacket and packing crate. Proceeds from the sales of their merchandise go toward the Gift of Magic program at McMaster Children’s Hospital in Hamilton.
The evening featured the Weekend Never Ends band, and Adam Cousins, with fireworks at dusk.
Sunday’s activities included the garden tractor show, midway and Mega Machines.
The Bruce Shrine Club joins the Ripley-Huron Fall Fair Parade
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