Norfolk Fair, Eat & Drink Norfolk, Waterford Pumpkinfest on list
A number of Norfolk County traditions have been named among the best events in Ontario.
The Norfolk County Fair and Horse Show, Eat and Drink Norfolk, and the Waterford Lions Pumpkinfest made the Top 100 list announced at the Festival and Events Ontario annual conference held earlier in March.
Angela Hogeveen, general manager of the Norfolk County Fair and Horse Show, said it’s an honor to be recognized at the provincial level.
“We’ve been lucky enough to be recognized for over 20 years for the fair, and for Eat and Drink Norfolk since its inception (in 2010),” she said. “We’re amongst good company in some of the best events Ontario has to offer.
Eat and Drink Norfolk takes place from April 13 to 15.
This year’s event has an added after party in a heated and lit pavilion adjacent to The Aud that will increase capacity and offer a live DJ and dancing on the Friday.
The Paris Fair also made the list of the Top 100 Festivals and Events in the province, while Paris Agricultural Society board member Sean Chase was named Volunteer of the Year.
“I was surprised I got it, actually,” said the 48-year-old program chair who books grandstand shows and daily entertainment at the annual fall fair. “I have (volunteered) since I was in diapers, probably. My grandpa (Jim Buck) used to be the manager until he passed away.”
Chase also looks after the monster truck show in July.
“I enjoy it. It’s in my family and that’s what pulls me back in the most,” he shared. “It’s what I love doing, and they’re a great group to be involved with.”
In addition to the Paris Fair that runs up to the Labor Day weekend, the PAS also puts on a super-pull (tractor pull) event in June, and a monster truck show in July.
“I think it’s pretty fantastic,” said Amy Warner, general manager of the PAS. “It helps that we run as a 12-month-a-year business, not just the five days of the fair. It keeps our volunteers involved all year around.”
The general manager noted that a volunteer reception night in April re-engages volunteers after the winter and is a great way to start the season off.
“We could not be here without the volunteers,” she said. “Our local community of people are very invested in it.”
St. George Apple Fest earned a spot on the Top 100 list for the eighth time.
“This award belongs to all of our wonderful volunteers and recognizes all the hard work they put in to making this such an outstanding event,” said Jean Tucker, Festival co-ordinator.
“Approximately 27,000 people attend the event over the two days resulting in a substantial economic boost for the St. George area.”
Profits from the festival are put back into the community.
Donations were made in 2022 to the South Dumfries Historical Society, and Scouts Canada MedVent Group that provides first aid coverage for Apple Fest.
“Everyone enjoys the small-town vibe, the unique vendors, and of course the apples.”
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