Have some 50/50 fair fun

The Wainfleet Fall Fair is partnering with local businesses, regional fair groups and the Wainfleet Farmers Market on several upcoming events and fundraisers. From left: Fair past president Norma Bird, Sharon Svob, market vendor Alice Csanig, and Sharon McMillan. ~ Luke Edwards photo

By Luke Edwards

At Wainfleet’s small but mighty market, visitors can often find a treat of some kind. From sweet desserts to fresh produce, or a handcrafted good of some kind.

But beginning in August they might also find some cold hard cash. Or at least a ticket that leads to some.

This year the Wainfleet Agricultural Society has joined the Fair Fortune Lottery, a 50/50 draw that includes fall fair groups in District 6 of the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies. Other ag societies participating this year include: West Niagara, Binbrook, Ancaster, Caledonia, Norfolk and Rockton.

“It’s really exciting to be part of this,” said Norma Bird, past president of the Wainfleet Agricultural Society.

Each local group will receive a slice of the funds generated proportionate to how many tickets they sold. So the more tickets sold by Wainfleet or West Niagara, the more funds those groups receive in the end.

Of course, that also raises the chances of someone local winning the prize.

“Wouldn’t it be great if someone from Wainfleet won?” said Norma Bird.

The Wainfleet group hasn’t identified a specific area they’ll use the money, but said every dollar raised will help make the event the best it can be.

In addition to selling tickets at the weekly Tuesday afternoon Wainfleet market, tickets can be purchased from WAS members, or directly from any of the participating fair groups. Online purchases are also available at rafflebox.ca/raffle/fairfortune/4. They’re $10 apiece, four for $40, 20 for $50, or 100 for $100.

The draw runs right through fair season, and ends Oct. 31. The draw itself will take place in Caledonia. The Caledonia fair group is the licensee for the draw.

WAS member Sharon McMillan said the fundraiser is just another example of how local fair groups collaborate for everyone’s benefit.

“Everyone wants to work together,” she said.

Bird said it’s a constant question of ways to do that.

“How can we support each other,” she said.

And that support goes beyond the ag society. In addition to partnering with the Tuesday afternoon market to sell tickets to the Fair Fortune Lottery, they’ve also teamed up with Minor Bros. Country Living to run a movie night in August. On Tuesday, Aug. 11 families are invited out to the market and to stay afterwards for a showing of Disney Pixar’s Hoppers. The market runs from 3 to 7 p.m. every Tuesday, and the movie night begins at 7:30. Visitors can also enjoy some refreshments and family games and activities.

Later this year there’s also a Fleeter Flock Swap planned, where those who raise backyard chickens, ducks and other poultry can grow their flock or simply meet and chat with other owners. It takes place on Sunday, Oct. 4 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the poultry barn at 31943 Park St. Admission is $20 for sellers, while buyers and pedestrians can enter for free. Sellers are asked to bring appropriate cages and follow biosecurity best practices. For more information call Jennifer Sutton at 905-932-7982.