Harrow Fair overcomes storms and wet conditions in 172nd year

The Harrow Fair parade was popular the morning of Sept. 5.

The 172nd Harrow Fair was held again on Labour Day weekend with the weather garnering some early headlines.

When all was said and done, however, organizers and festival-goers had overcome the elements and had a good time at an Essex County tradition. Storms rolled through the region last Thursday night, postponing the events of that evening such as the opening ceremonies and popular pie auction, and saw people evacuated to neighbouring Harrow Arena before the fair was shut down early for the evening.

Events resumed Friday and included the opening ceremonies and pie auction, with Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy voicing her pleasure to see the crowds return.

“To see the people here shows how resilient people and the fair board are in this community,” said Bondy. “It’s one of the most enjoyed events in Essex County.”

Essex Deputy Mayor Rob Shepley, speaking on behalf of the county, thanked organizers for their work in ensuring the safety of those who came out Thursday night. While acknowledging it was a “rough start” for the fair, he said things would “pick up” and it would be a great weekend.

Enwin stepped forward with a $10,000 sponsorship while Libro Credit Union donated $7,500. 

Brian Renaud, chair of the fair board, thanked the board and the community for the patience and understanding after weather hit the area but said the Harrow Fair shows the spirit of the community and celebrates everyone coming together.

The pie auction raised $108,100 for the John McGivney Children’s Centre.

“The amount of work that goes into making the Pie Auction happen every year is remarkable, and this year the Harrow Fair team and volunteers faced the added challenge of having to reorganize the event following the severe weather,” said Jennifer Jovanovski, CEO of the John McGivney Children’s Centre (JMCC). “We are so thankful to the Stannard family, the Harrow Fair, the Colchester South and Harrow Agricultural Society, the volunteers, pie makers, bidders and everyone who came together to make the evening such an incredible success.”

According to a news release from the JMCC, the tradition began nearly three decades ago when the Stannard family launched the inaugural auction in memory of their son Todd, who was born with spina bifida and received support through Red Cross programs, a predecessor of JMCC. The first auction raised $350. Mark and Lisa Stannard and their sons, Philip and Owen, continue to lead the event, which has raised $709,322 for JMCC since its inception.

“Seeing this community come together year after year is truly special,” added Jovanovski. “To raise $108,100 in one evening is extraordinary, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who played a part.”

As is tradition, the fair also allowed the showing of animals and auctions by the 4-H Club, the Saturday parade, a teddy bear parade, live entertainment, lawn tractor races, the Border City Barkers agility show, the midway, outhouse races, food vendors, a mom and dad calling contest and much more.

Harrow Fair overcomes storms and wet conditions in 172nd year

By Ron Giofu