Tag Archives: Delta Ontario

Delta Fair marks 195 years with pigs, pie and pony rides

Delta Fair kicks off Thursday, July 24 and runs through Sunday, July 27. Lots of fun in store for the entire family. Don’t miss this 195th anniversary of this agricultural event in the Township of Rideau Lakes. Laurie Weir photo.
LAURIE WEIR

DELTA — There’ll be lawn mowers tearing up the turf, tractors pulling like hell, and pies lined up like beauty queens when the Delta Fair kicks off Thursday for its 195th run.

One of Ontario’s oldest country fairs, this four-day affair pulls out all the stops: midway rides, 4-H shows, live music, farm animals, and enough fries and fudge to make a grown farmer weep. It runs July 24 to 27 at the Delta fairgrounds, with daily highlights and something weird, wild or wonderful around every corner.

Hosted by the Delta Agricultural Society, here are some of the highlights you won’t want to miss.

Thursday, July 24
The gates open at 4 p.m., with the official opening ceremony and parade marching off at 6:30 through the heart of the village. Kids can hit the midway early, while parents scope out the homecraft displays where you can expect pickles, pies, and quilts that’ll make your great-aunt jealous. Animal Land opens Thursday evening, and the first live music hits the main stage around 7.

Friday, July 25
Livestock takes the spotlight. The poultry, sheep and swine shows start at 10 a.m. in the barns, with 4-H kids handling their animals like seasoned pros. The crowd favourite lawn mower races are back at 2 p.m. in the infield. It’s speed, noise and a lot of laughing. The fair stays open into the evening, with music and midway running until 10.

Saturday, July 26
Bring ear protection as the antique tractor pull fires up at 11 a.m. and runs into the afternoon. At 12:30, the homecraft pavilion turns into pie central, with judging for the blueberry and apple pie contests. There’s a classic car show nearby for those who prefer horsepower with chrome. And yes, the midway’s still going strong.

Sunday, July 27
Things get western in the horse ring with the Big Delta Play Days Stockman’s Games starting at 9 a.m. Kids will be barrel racing on ponies and herding cows (or at least pretending to) before noon. It’s a quieter day, with final prize pickups and a closing ceremony in the afternoon. Homecraft and vendor displays wind down by 3 p.m.

Don’t miss the parade that made a comeback last year, and is on again this year at 1 p.m. Sunday. 

Admission is cash at the gate, and yes, parking is still free. Bonus points if you show up in cowboy boots and leave with straw in your hair.

More info here.

Delta’s first GST Auction set to make waves for community and veterans

Lower Beverley Lake always boasts some pretty incredible sunsets. Photo credit: Laurie Weir.
LAURIE WEIR

It’s not what you think — this GST stands for Goods, Services and Talents, and it’s about to bring the Delta community together for a lively fundraising night.

The inaugural Delta GST Auction is set for Saturday, May 24 at the Delta Fair Hall. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for viewing, with bidding starting at 7 p.m. The event is a partnership between the Delta and Area Community Enhancement Committee (CEC) and the Delta Royal Canadian Legion, combining efforts to raise money and spirits.

Connie McCullough, auction co-ordinator, said the idea had been percolating for years.

“Many years ago, when I attended Battersea United Church, they had a GST auction and it was so much fun,” McCullough said. “Over the years I tried to get different organizations involved, but nobody bit. When I suggested it to the CEC, everyone jumped at it. We’ve also partnered with the Legion on a few events, like our Family Day spaghetti dinner, so it made sense to team up again.”

This marks the first time Delta has hosted a GST Auction — and they’re not messing around.

“We have some really cool things for the auction,” McCullough said. “A fellow who grew up in Delta and now runs a gemstone business in Lethbridge has donated a watch, a pendant and earring set, and a rare ammolite stone. He even sent us an ancient Megalodon tooth that’s over 2.3 million years old.”

The goods up for bid include boat rentals, a boat ride on Lower Beverley Lake, two cords of wood, cottage rentals, homemade baked goods, and a quilted wall hanging depicting Lower Beverley Lake and Blackjack Island. Local craftspeople have also donated items, including hand-turned wooden bowls.

“We are still accepting donations,” McCullough added. “Services are what we’d love most right now — someone handy to help with small repairs, mow lawns, weed gardens, wash windows, or even just take a senior out for a drive and picnic.”

The auctioneer for the evening will be Delta Legion president Todd Evans, who promises to keep the bidding fast and fun.

“I’m sure the vibe will be lively,” McCullough said, adding with a laugh: “First-time bidders, just remember: don’t stick your hand up unless you mean to bid!”

While fundraising is the goal, McCullough said the true reward is building community spirit.

“Our committee and the Legion are passionate about making Delta a happening place again and supporting our veterans,” she said. “We’re getting older and really hope to see some younger folks step up. It’s a lot of work but the joy on people’s faces makes it all worthwhile. We even brought back the Delta parade last year after several years — people were thrilled, and it’s coming back this year for the Delta Fair.”

A cash bar and snacks will be available at the auction. For more information, or to donate an item or service, contact McCullough at 613-530-7036 or conniemccullough@gmail.com.