After its midway provider fell through last year, the Chatham Kinsmen Fair was back in business this weekend.
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The annual family event, located at the Memorial Arena parking lot, officially kicked off Thursday, running until Sunday.
There were more than a dozen carnival rides and 40 vendors, along with food, animals and games.
“It’s great to be back,” said Bob Christie, a Kinsmen past-president, on Saturday. “We’re kind of restarting it this year. …We’re happy to be out.”
Visitors were already gathering on the grounds later that morning, when the midway opened.
Although he didn’t have official attendance numbers for this year, Christie said it was “really good,” in particular on Friday night, noting the arrival of the warmer weather didn’t hurt.
Kids also had a chance to take part in an Elmer the Safety Elephant coloring contest, with prizes available for different age categories.
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The long-time event was originally known as the Jaycee Fair, until the Kinsmen Club stepped forward in 2005 to help keep it going.
The money raised goes back into the community for various programs and initiatives, Christie said.
He said the club appreciates the support from everyone, noting that festivals and fairs everywhere have faced challenges in recent years.
Close to 20 volunteers assisted with the event throughout the weekend.
The Kinsmen Club of Chatham was chartered as the 16th club in the association on Aug. 1, 1928, with more than 700 members taking part over the years since that time.
For more information on the Chatham Kinsmen, visit https://www.chathamkinsmen.ca/
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