For longer than Cambridge has even been known as such, residents have flocked to the annual fall fair to celebrate the start of a new season.
With last minute preparations in full swing for the fair, which begins Sept. 7 and runs until Sept. 10 in Dickson Park, it’s an understandably stressful time for president Chris Chapelle.
“It’s a jam-packed four day event,” Chapelle said.
“It’s a lot of work. We start in January planning for events and music. We try to come up with ideas to attract more people. It’s stressful at times but next week I’ll be down there and it kind of goes away a little bit.”
The festivities begin on Thursday with vendors, crafts, amusement and monster truck rides, sing along karaoke and a beer garden. Admission and parking is free on Thursday and Sunday.
Friday night will feature monster truck racing, an FMX motocross show and music from Flash Johnson.
Saturday is highlighted by musical acts from Bon Jovi Forever, Sandman and Destroyer.
To close out the weekend, 12 Elvis impersonators will be hitting the stage on Sunday to compete for the crown of 'King of Rock and Roll.'
The entire event is volunteer run and any revenue generated gets reinvested in the following year’s fair.
Chapelle and his team are always looking for ways to create new experiences for the community and they believe they accomplished it this year.
“It’s one of he longest running fairs in Ontario and every year it’s something different,” he said of the fair that dates back to 1842.
“Every year we go to a convention and talk to other fairs to see how they’re doing things. I’m looking forward to seeing more attendees.”
For Chapelle, who’s been involved in the fair for over 20 years, seeing the smiling faces of the kids and their families is what makes it all worthwhile.
“I'm hoping people come, enjoy themselves and get the value for what they pay to get in,” he said.
“I do a lot of talking to people and getting different views while I'm walking around. Seeing kids on the rides, especially when people are struggling a bit right now, it’s great to see people enjoying themselves.”
For more information on the fair, including schedules and pricing, visit thefallfair.ca.
