The Thorndale Fall Fair was where farm met fun over the weekend

2025 Thorndale Fair Ambassador Beth McCallum of Thorndale with her parents Michael and Carol McCallum.

By Nancy Abra

The 168th Thorndale Fall Fair held last weekend was true to its theme – “where farm meets fun.”

It began with the official opening ceremonies on Friday evening. Emcee Will Heeman kept the evening light and entertaining with his witty humour as he introduced the various dignitaries and itinerary.

Opening remarks were delivered by Connie Bontje, president of the Thorndale Agricultural Society Bridget Heeman, Thames Centre Mayor Sharron McMillian, Middlesex County Warden Brian Ropp and MP Lianne Rood, all of whom praised the many dedicated volunteers, the strong agriculture roots and the great community spirit in Thorndale that makes the fall fair a success each year.

Also part of Friday’s events were awards recognizing the spirit, years of service and contribution to the community of Thorndale, along with the announcing of the School Fair champions, Field Crops awards and the Homecraft champion, Monica Speziale, and runner up Marylou Bontje, both of Thorndale.

Beth McCallum, age 18 of Thorndale, is the 2025 Thorndale Fair Ambassador. She was sponsored by the Thorndale Optimist Club, providing a bursary to this year’s winner. McCallum is the daughter of Carol and Michael McCallum of Thorndale and is currently studying educational support at St. Clair College in Windsor. As ambassador, McCallum will represent the Thorndale Agricultural Society at various events throughout the coming year, including district meetings, the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies (OAAS) convention and at the CNE Ambassador of the Fairs Competition next August in Toronto.

The evening ended with the exceedingly popular and entertaining pie auction. Heath Taylor of Taylor Auctions auctioned off 18 prize-winning pies and the top butter tarts from the Homecraft entries before a crowd of about 200. In the engaging bidding, these various pies garnered between $400 and $700, netting a healthy amount for the Thorndale Agricultural Society by the end of the evening.

With the exceptional warm weather, crowds of people came out to enjoy the rest of the weekend, which included midway rides, participating in the various planned activities, viewing the agricultural exhibits and witnessing the many agricultural and race competitions.

The Thorndale Fall Fair has grown from a modest beginning from the early days to today’s robust, fun community event enjoyed by families of the municipality and beyond, maintaining its valued agricultural roots and rural family community spirit.