Three generations enjoy Kettleby Fair
By Eliza Cassey

The Kettleby Fair has been running for 30 years and many fond memories are held by three generations of village residents.

Originally hosted by the King Township Historical Society, it was subsequently chaired by a small group of local volunteers. There were only a few volunteers organizing the entire event.

Marion Burkholder, a long-time resident of Kettleby, has seen the fair change since its origins in 1977. Having been involved for 13 years, she is one of the generous volunteers who contributed to its success. She remembers when it was much smaller than it is now.

In 1983 the footbridge was built across the creek, making it much easier to get across the park and to expand the fair. George Cameron, Lee Heacock, Jim Morning and Al Burkholder were some of the volunteers who built it, using old hydro poles.

Marion's favourite memories are of the camaraderie, seeing old friends, neighbours and relatives from out of town coming back to Kettleby, as well as the traditional aspects of the parade.

"The Scottish bands were very important for me," she said . "You could hear them throughout the whole village."

She also fondly remembers the scarecrow contests.

Having grown up going to the Kettleby Fair every year, I too have many memories. My favourite was probably riding my pony in the parade; we would both be dressed up as princesses or Native Americans. Every year, it's exciting to see all the work that goes into the Fair and how it all pays off. I enjoy seeing people appreciate the beautiful village of Kettleby, because there aren't too many places left like it.

In many ways the Fair has not changed at all. It is a wonderful traditional way to mark the beginning of autumn. It still has the same country spirit and has always been a fun event for the young and young at heart. Each year it grows more successful, and in thirty years we have never been rained out (touch wood!)