By MPP Toby Barrett
Autumn – our ‘season of mists and mellow fruitfulness’ – is upon us. As we look to the brilliant colours and some relief from the drought and humidity that has plagued southern Ontario, we can attend some great events locally.
Delhi’s Fallfest is one of the first–even if it does hit the calendar before the fall equinox. Starting on Sept. 16, don’t miss the rejuvenated Delhi parade on the Saturday, along with a baby show, a rubber ducky race and various events around the town. Delhi District Secondary School is hosting its 75th anniversary on the weekend with events that include a dinner and dance on Friday, alumni basketball and golf, and a Sunday brunch.
Sept. 17 features Waterford Museum’s Heritage Tractor Tour.
The Canadian Drilling Rig Museum’s annual open house takes place the same weekend at Rainham Centre.
Three fairs with big hearts take place this month. Langton kick starts it all on Sept. 21, followed by the Donnybrook Fair in Walsh on Sept. 24 and 25. If you haven’t seen the demolition derby in Walsh, be sure to check out this first rate event. Houghton Fair runs on Sept. 29.
The Norfolk Studio Tour highlights the artistic talents of Norfolk County’s artisans the weekend of Sept. 24 and 25.
The Caledonia Fair runs from Sept. 29 to Oct. 2 with this year’s theme of Apple Trees & Honey Bees. A variety of musical acts, a demolition derby, baby show, pet show and farm displays are guaranteed to be good draws.
The granddaddy of fall fairs – the Norfolk County Fair and Horse Show– starts with its Young Canada Day tradition on Oct. 4. Over the ensuing seven days, there is something for everyone – from Dallas Smith and Coleman Hell at the grandstand to horse shows, tractor pulls and demolition derbies. A dynamic midway attracts the younger set and food is a draw for fair-goers of all ages.
Area plowing matches include Oneida Oct. 8 and the Haldimand match Oct. 15. And, of rouse, the big one runs from Sept. 20 to 24 – the International Plowing Match and Rural Expo – held this year in Minto.
Spooks will be out for Waterford’s Pumpkinfest the weekend of Oct. 14. This event has it all: community decorating contests, a midway, food, fireworks, a dog show, parade, football game, soapbox derby and car show. A couple of special spook-tacular events include local boy and Guinness Book of World Records holder Lucas Wilson making magic and a Zombie Walk on Saturday.
The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month is set aside to pay tribute to those who fought for all of us against oppressive regimes and dictators of the past. People gather at cenotaphs across Haldimand and Norfolk to honour our ancestors and veterans who served.
Port Rowan and area artisans and retailers feature their finest on the Nov. 11 weekend.
It’s a sure sign Christmas is around the corner with the Christmas Light Up in Delhi on Nov. 18 and Simcoe’s Panorama on Nov. 26. Santa Claus arrives in late November with numerous Christmas parades in Port Dover, Tillsonburg, Delhi, Dunnville, Cayuga, Caledonia and Hagersville.
Fall is a busy time but also a great time to catch up with friends and neighbours at so many local happenings.