It was a fine day for a taste of a Prince Edward County tradition.
And we emphasize taste.
IN LIVING COLOUR (From left) Tina Hiddink and Janet Reader Day alongside some of the children’s colouring submissions at the 2021 Drive-Thru Picton Fair. Over $4,100 was raised for local organizations. (Jason Parks/Gazette Staff)
Whether it was mini donuts, fresh squeezed lemonade or the good old main stay- hand pulled taffy from the Ellis family.
All the usual trappings of the Picton Fair were at the local fairgrounds this weekend and while the traditional three day fun, frivolity and celebration of our shared agricultural traditions and heritage was put off for a second straight year, the 2021 edition certainly held a candle of remembrance of what was and what will once again be.
Livestock, local produce, static displays, agriculture implements of yesteryear and today, classic cars, and today, local groups and organizations saying “hello and how do you do?” were all part of the sunsoaked drive thru party that featured the soundtrack of Peter Rea and the Reasons.
The Picton Pirates 50/50 draw netted Rod Brant Francis $1,710.50 and was a major success for the local PJHL team.
Ag. Society president Tina Hiddink said about 1,500 people took part in the drive-thru fair that was a departure from the ever classic variety. While the COVID-19 pandemic might have again forced a change of plans, locals and visitors from all over the region and beyond stopped in to take part.
“The feedback we received this year was very positive,” Hiddink said. “We are very hopeful things will return to normal for 2022 but in place of that, our drive-thru was the next best thing.”
While the fair was free to attend, donations were collected at the end of the route in the cattle building which doubled as an art display and produce exhibition. Hiddink was happy to report the event raised in excess of $4,100 that will be shared by a number of local organizations to be determined at the Ag. Society’s 2021 wrap up meeting at the end of the month.
-Staff
