Ilderton’s Fine Fall Fair
Who can resist attending a fall fair on a sunny October Saturday? Apparently, not Sister Florian and me as we found ourselves driving a short distance north of London to attend Ilderton’s Fall Fair. Although I didn’t meet the town’s famed Scott Moir of ice dancing fame at the little gas station as I did several years ago, I did see his, and dancing partner, Tessa Virtue’s names emblazoned on the large arena wall as we neared the fair venue.
Already, at 10:30am, the entrance lineup was forming as excited children were eager to run and take part in the day’s events. Florian and I headed to the large agricultural building where we were welcomed by happy volunteers. Looking around the venue, we met a couple of interested llamas, an Angus cow and her calf as well as several other animals. One large wall featured a display of quilting patterns alongside information booths and huge implements. Upon leaving the building, we jumped to attention with the loud, formidable bray of a nearby donkey.
The enticing aroma of grilled hotdogs and hamburgers whetted our appetites to partake of traditional fall food fare. As we sat at picnic tables alongside the food pavilion, we were awed by the obvious fact that fair day is family day. Happy, enthralled children sat with their loving, attentive parents. Many were infants and toddlers. I know that Ilderton is a growing community and so many young families assure me of its continued growth.
Our final walk was through the busy Midway. For a small-town fair, the number of vendors was considerable and the diversity of rides, amazing. A huge Ferris wheel and the stomach-churning, whirling, dipping octopus rides kept the young crowd in screaming hilarity. Meanwhile, adoring grandparents took their tiny charges on a carefully turning teacup ride. Since neither my companion nor I were brave enough to spend time in the air and our feet were tired, we decided to head for home.
Looking back, I marvel that after many decades, rural country fairs continue to survive even in the face of constant societal change. Fall fairs speak to the strength of community ties and the resilience of local people who keep it alive. They are a testament to the hard work and solidarity of rural neighbors and the timeless values of sharing and caring that are crucial for every age and time.
-Sister Jean Moylan, csj