Why an Interview,,,

Over the years we have been able to meet and talk with some very interesting people. They have shared with us their knowledge and have provided us with a great deal of insight as to how and why festivals and events work and why they are so important to our communities and to the Province of Ontario. With this in mind, we decided that we wanted you to meet and hear from some of the wonderful people who work so hard to provide us all with such wonderful Ontario Festivals and Events! We are pleased and proud to present "THE INSIDE SCOOP"!

Saturday, September 26, 2015

“Home for the Harvest” ~ “Traditions are our link to the Past!” ~ Scoop from President Jeff Dornan ~ Norwood Fall Fair ~ Rick Mercer YouTube Video

“Home for the Harvest” ~ “Traditions are our link to the Past!” ~ Scoop from President Jeff Dornan ~ Norwood Fall Fair ~ Rick Mercer YouTube Video
Norwood Fall Fair ~ Thanksgiving Weekend
“It is my privilege to invite you to come and enjoy a day or two or maybe even three at the 2015 Norwood Thanksgiving Weekend Fair.
The Fair has a long history in the township of Asphodel-Norwood and one that we as a community can be justifiably a bit proud of. Our fairground sign proudly displays the statement “A Tradition Since 1868”. The word tradition might conjure up memories of times past or of “old ways” of doing things, and many traditions will usually create a welcome sense of comfort and familiarity.
The first meeting of what would eventually become the Norwood Agricultural Society was held in the year 1868, however there are many stories and records that place  the fairs beginnings considerably earlier to a least the 1840’s. Organized by our community minded ancestors, these early exhibitions were large community events where area farmers could display their harvests and their livestock, the farmer’s wife and children could also display their handiwork, preserves and baking.
Essentially the Norwood Fair began as a community gathering, a place where family, friends and neighbours got together for some good-natured competition, to catch up on town gossip, share a few stories and I would imagine to share even more laughs. This homecoming family-like atmosphere is what we as directors of the fair work diligently to preserve and cultivate, and it is those humble beginnings that form the basis for many of the traditions that we strive to pass on to future generations of fair goers.
Traditions are our link to our past - it is where we came from and one of our earliest mandates was to stay faithful to our agricultural heritage; we strive to accomplish this by insisting that our shows and competitions stay agricultural in nature. This directive allows us to stay connected to our past and honour the efforts and aspirations of our forefathers, while still providing us the freedom to evolve and grow.
While the fair has its own customs that it adheres to, it is also responsible for creating many family traditions. For most people that grew up in Norwood or the surrounding area the Fair tends to become a Thanksgiving ritual for them and their family, the holiday weekend will include a pilgrimage to the fair as well as gathering to enjoy a holiday feast together. As time passes and families move and expand this annual ritual usually still continues; bringing extended family members back home for a trip to the Fair and the annual friendly fight over the stuffing.
Keeping and maintaining treasured and familiar customs is where traditions are born, they create a sense of belonging and a sense of comfort in knowing that certain things will stay the same for as long as possible.
For our theme this year we have incorporated both family and Fair traditions together and I hope you will make or continue to make, the Norwood Fair a part of your own Thanksgiving weekend traditions as I invite you to come “Home for the Harvest”.
Have an enjoyable and fun filled time with your family and friends at the Norwood Fair”.
Judi "Scoop" McWilliams
Ontario Visited enjoys Norwood Fair
Norwood Fall Fair fun for all generations!
Rick Mercer with Norwood Fall Fair
 President, Jeff Dornan
 ENJOY THIS GREAT YOU TUBE VIDEO ~ RICK MERCER at NORWOOD FALL FAIR


No comments:

Post a Comment