Ripley Fall Fair – Happy Fall Y’all – will offer a virtual experience in 2020

By Tammy Schneider

The Ripley Agricultural Society is finalizing the details of its 157th fall fair, to be held virtually this year on Sept. 25-27.

After making the decision to step away from the traditional fair format earlier this year because of the pandemic, the society has been busy organizing a variety of entertainment for all ages including contests, antique car parade, children’s entertainment shows, educational videos about animals, music, 4-H clubs, scavenger hunt and much more, all which can be viewed from the safety and comfort of one’s own home.  Events will be live-streamed and also available for later viewing on Rogers TV. The schedule of events will be announced on their social media outlets the middle of September.

While some may miss the midway activities, the fair has always offered much more than just rides. It strives to remind the community of its strong agricultural roots and the talent and strength of its residents.

“There is so much more to our fair than a midway and carnival,” said Ripley Agricultural Society member Fran Farrell. “Going virtual is a great way to showcase other areas and to keep the community connected in the spirit of agriculture, education, and entertainment.   Many of the fair’s aspects can continue in a safe way, so why not showcase them and continue to encourage people to be invested in the community.  This pandemic has certainly shown us that technology is a useful tool to stay connected and the virtual world is the here and now.”

New this year is the TikTok challenge, inviting residents to submit videos promoting agriculture or the fair. Ambassador Maddy Gallant has taken on this event and will be submitting her own video. Cash prizes will be awarded for the top two submissions. To enter the challenge, email your video to ripleyfair2020@hotmail.com before the Sept. 5 deadline. The videos will be presented the weekend of the fair.

Home and business owners can promote the event by entering the fair decorating contest. They are invited to decorate the outside of their buildings or creating a display using bales. Contact Jean MacDonald at 226-396-3475 for more information or to register for the contest.

The fair is also sponsoring a year-long photo contest. Budding photographers should check the monthly themes listed on the www.ripleyfair.ca website or Facebook page, and submit photos to ripleyfair2020@hotmail.com.

There will be an antique car parade travelling through the township on the morning of Sept. 26. For more details, email ripleyfair@hurontel.on.ca for more information and to register your antique vehicle for this event.

Keep up the community spirit by purchasing a Ripley Fall Fair T-shirt at Pollock Electric. T-shirts, in sizes XS-XXL are $20 each. All proceeds go towards the Ripley Agricultural Society.

Follow the Ripley Agricultural Society and Ripley Agricultural Society Ambassador Facebook pages and website www.ripleyfair.ca, for updates about events and the schedule for the virtual fall fair. Connect on Instagram at ripleyfallfair.ambassador for updates about virtual fair activities.

 

Ripley Fall Fair – Happy Fall Y’all – will offer a virtual experience in 2020 was last modified: August 21st, 2020 by Tammy Schneider

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