A couple of changes gave the fair a boost. The pickleball tournament was run on Saturday morning. A growing sport, this made for a good addition. Nine teams participated and Walker said they seemed to like the spot in the curling rink. He said they look to try it again next year.

“It looks like there is interest in it,” he said. “As long as there is interest and volunteers to run it, we’ll try it again.”

Sunday saw the stock dog trials. Walker said it was mostly border collies, which had to herd sheep through a specific pattern and were timed. Part of the Manitoba Stock Dog Association competitions, he feels this too was a good event they would like to see return.

In the arena this year, they tried a vendor market both days. There were eight vendors showing a variety of wares and though it was not on a par with the Dunrea Flea Market, it worked and they will look to give it another go in the future.

There were about 55 people for the bingo, and Walker said they served about 450 people for the Sunday morning breakfast, using up all their food. The Steak Night was also sold out and there were a few people singing karaoke, with 8 Track Shuffle rocking the beer garden on Saturday night.

Walker said he was unsure of horse numbers but said the light horse club is strong, so they had a very busy day, and the miniatures always go over well. The heavy horses were able to use the whole arena this year, having spaces for the four and six horse hitches. They did well again this year.

He added they are planning to do some work on the south side arena to make the whole area the same width.

The cattle were down a bit, he said, being just the 4-H show and sale.

A benefit this year was the ball tournament in town. Walker said it helped the festive atmosphere and brought a few more people around.

Overall, he said the annual fair is still serving its purpose of bringing the community together at the beginning of summer.

“I think it was very successful. We have another year under our belt and are looking forward to next year.”

by PAUL RAYNER, Recorder staff