By Chris Abbott
The theme of this year’s Langton Fair on Wednesday, Sept. 18 is Summer Olympics.
“Every year we change the theme for the arts and craft exhibits, and that’s the theme the school teachers chose,” said Carol Overbaugh, president of the North Walsingham Agricultural Society.
You didn’t see nail driving at the Paris Olympics, but the competition will happen once again at the 134th Langton Fair.
“I think the nail driving’s been going at least 70 years, probably, if not more” said Overbaugh. “I am sure nail driving goes back to the beginning of the fair.
“I remember my mom (Gertie Holmes) was in the nail driving – she won it for years,” Overbaugh laughed. “She was just this little tobacco farmer’s wife, very quiet and shy, and she’d step up to that platform. She had a very competitive nature when it came to that, and she won many times.
“She also entered almost every category in the baking and preserves. She canned everything she could on the (11th Concession) farm and she baked for harvest gangs, so she could bake good pies and cakes. Even if it was still harvest, she would be up all night baking and then truck them all to the old community centre to make sure she got them in before the judging began at 9 o’clock. She never missed a year for years and years and years, until she couldn’t do it anymore. She loved doing it.”
This year’s North Walsingham Agricultural and School Fall Fair on Sept. 18 kicks off with the parade at 11 a.m., following its traditional route thanks to a donation from the Langton Firefighters Association to cover the cost of OPP road assistance, blocking two intersections on Queen Street (Hwy 59) during the parade, which includes students from two local elementary schools and the Norfolk Little People’s Daycare, cars, tractors, and community floats, led by the firefighters.
“We’re very grateful for that,” said Overbaugh. “It will be the same parade route as usual thanks to their generous donation. If you’re interested in being in the parade, go behind the arena between 10-10:30.”
Opening ceremonies will be followed by the baby show (12:30) in the arena, outdoor nail driving contest (12:45) for youth and adults, tobacco tying (1:15), and indoor junior talent show (1:30).
Adult exhibits are accepted from a wide area, including Langton, Walsingham, Delhi and Tillsonburg. Fair prize lists are available at the grocery store, pharmacy, and post office in Langton.
“Adult exhibitors can be from anywhere, there’s no limit. It’s open to anyone who wants to enter. We’re hoping for a good display of exhibits from adults and students. Student entries come from Valley Heights Secondary School, Sacred Heart Catholic Elementary School, Langton Public School, and the daycare, but as far as adults, they can be from anywhere, it’s open.”
Food vendors and inflatable bounce castles will set up in the arena parking lot, there will be horse-drawn wagon rides around the track, and a car show in the infield.
“It’s quite difficult and expensive to get midway rides, so now we get the inflatables.”
The CWL (Catholic Women’s League) provide a noon lunch for the public in the community centre. The Langton Lions and community members volunteer at the gates.
“We’re very appreciative of their support, too.”
The fair wraps up between 3-4 p.m.
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