Welcome to the Queens County Fair

The schedule is available at queenscountyfair.ca/.

Queens County Fair manager, Renee Sutherland says, “We have had some new faces and some new ideas, which is nice. We’re taking advantage of it.”

As a result, a large number of new events are occurring this year, she says.

“We’re expecting it to keep growing. They (residents) are more excited this year just because of the new events that are drawing people who don’t have an interest in horses and oxen,” as well the fair’s traditional agriculture industry-orientated competitions.

She adds the latter activities will, and always will remain the backbone of the fair.

However, she says the Nova Scotia Arm Wrestling Association is hosting an open competition this year, for example. Registration is at noon on Sept. 22 with the action starting at 1 p.m.

For the first time, the Queens County Fair is holding an ATV Challenge 7:30 p.m. Sept. 21 on a “slalom racing, obstacle course” in the fairground’s new show ring.

The ring is allowing other events to be held as well, Sutherland says. For example, in addition to English and Western riding, the volunteers are hosting a Lighthorse and Pony Open Day.

“Anyone from anywhere can come. You don’t have to attend all week and it’s because of the ring.”

Seven new wagon and cart classes for draft horses have been added this year as well, “because of interest from some of the owners and also because we have the new ring,” she says.

Registration in agricultural events, such as those involving horses and oxen as well as the riding competitions at this point show the numbers will surpass those of last year, Sutherland says.

There are no exhibition rides this years, she says but Liz Little’s Fancy Tents and More will be returning to the area with such children’s activities - and, as demonstrated during Canada Day with the jousting bouncy game, adults - as lazer maze, the caterpillar, cotton candy and other fine foods, jousting and more.

“And they’re only a dollar a turn,” Sutherland says.

They might also like the new “educational and entertaining” snake show, she says. Snakes native to Nova Scotia in addition to more exotic ‘pets’ will be on display starting 6 p.m. Sept. 18.

James MacKay, a chainsaw woodcarver, will be showcasing his talents and will carve a sculpture that will be raffled during the fair.

Fire departments from Queens County and probably elsewhere will be competing for the fair’s tug of war title Saturday night, youth talent competitions will be held, and on Saturday at 4 p.m. a Decorate Your Pumpkin event is occurring in the Main Building for children five to seven years of age in addition to such time-honoured favourites as the 2:30 p.m. Sept. 19 parade and numerous other activities.