Kettleby Fair bids adieu in King

July 23, 2014 · 0 Comments

By Mark Pavilons
King Township’s only community fall fair has come to an end.
Organizers regretfully announced they’ve had to cancel the Kettleby Fair.
“Due to an array of unforeseen circumstance, the Kettleby Fair Committee recommended to the Kettleby Village Association that the Kettleby Fair be cancelled. After careful and diligent consideration the Board of the Kettleby Village Association accepted the recommendation.”
Kettleby Fair Committee members extended their thanks to thank all those who have supported the Fair over its 38-year history.
“From volunteers to food trucks, and from community groups to performers, both paid and unpaid, you have created a huge portfolio of wonderful memories.
“Sponsorship support has been more than we could ask for. Local businesses readily stepped forward to help ensure the continuance of the Fair as a fund raising opportunity for community groups.”
The committee also noted visitors reported many happy times at the park in Kettleby. This fair was unique in a special market catering to those who sought an old fashioned country fair in a very special outdoor environment in a very special hamlet.
“We are sorry to say good bye to ‘the Biggest Little Fair in Ontario.’”
The fair was plagued by terrible weather for the past years. It was cancelled due to heavy rains in 2012 and the 2013 version was a shadow of its former self. Inclement weather saw many participants pull out of the event.
And it wasn’t for a lack of trying either.
Volunteers were all set to present what would have been the3 38th fair this September 6, coming up with a new model of “weather permitting.”
King Township council even provided them with some relief funding – a one-time contribution of $2,517.21. The funds, which were taken from the Mayor’s Charity Golf Tournament account, were earmarked to pay off debts incurred at this year’s fair.
Many volunteer groups from across the township help run the event and, in turn, the groups use the fair as a venue to promote their organizations. The fair typically sees a profit of between $1,500 and $2,000 and they just started to put money aside for emergency situations but they depleted that reserve in the past two years.
Supporting the fair was a no-brainer for Mayor Steve Pellegrini and council when they voted to provide the relief funding.