Will the weather stay fine? Schomberg Agricultural Society sure hopes so!
Submitted by Andy Macpherson

Final preparations are under way for the 158th Schomberg Agricultural Spring Fair, to be held May 22 - 25.

This year's theme is "Sheep and Goats".

There will be many events throughout the grounds with this theme in mind. Don't miss the Sheep Dog herding and goat milking demonstrations or the birthday party for Fair is, the baby goat that was born at the Fair last year.

Thursday

evening

"World's Finest Shows" Midway starts the Fair with a pay-one-price ticket.

Friday evening

The Demolition Derby starts at 7:00 p.m. The Grand Prize is $700.

Others can play Euchre in the Community Hall.

Saturday

The grounds come alive early Saturday morning with our Heavy Horse Show, featuring Percherons, Belgians, Clydesdales and Shires. This event, featuring both showmanship and driving classes, is one of the first shows of the season and always well attended.

At 11 a.m., the Grand Parade, featuring marching bands, floats, and kids of all ages, will wend its way from Church Street down Main Street to Western Avenue

The opening ceremonies take place after the parade on the Main Stage.

The Schomberg Idol and Ambassador contestants will also be presented there, with the Idol winner being announced in the afternoon.

Come out and support our youth by encouraging them to participate in these events. It is truly amazing to see what wonderful youth we have in our community and how events like this can bring out the best in them.

Meet Melba McKinley, our 2007 Ambassador, who will be participating in many events throughout the weekend. We wish her well at the CNE Ambassador of the Fairs competition in August.

Events continue with a sheep show, shearing demonstrations, and Sheep Dog herding.

The Children's Pedal Pull will be on the tennis courts.

Plan to enjoy a Great Roast Beef Dinner, prepared by Schomberg United Church ($12 per person), from 4:30 to 7 p.m. in the Community Hall.

After dinner, don't miss the Farmers' Olympics where teams will be challenged by all new events.

For those who want something different there is the ATV pull at the south end of the grounds.

Sunday

Sunday will dawn with the smells of the Schomberg Lions Pancake Breakfast in the Town Hall. It is Family Day at the Fair with activities for everyone young and old. From the Baby Show in the Big Tent to the Horseshoe Pitch in the derby pit, there's no excuse not to be at the Fair. Even the family dog or hamster can get in on the fun by competing in the Pet and Mutt Show.

Livestock will be everywhere you turn, with the Dominion Rabbit & Cavy Show, the Goat Show, and the Junior Beef & Junior Dairy shows, as well as a repeat of the Sheep Herding.

Back after years is the Horse Pull in the afternoon.

The first part of the Ambassador Competition gets under way at 1:15 p.m. Contestants will present their speeches and the 2008 Ambassador will be chosen just after 3 p.m.

All weekend, animals are everywhere - visit "Our Fair Farm" where you can touch, smell and see farm animals, large and small.

Our stage is an ongoing showcase of local talent, featuring dancers, singers, bands and much more.

While strolling through the grounds, be amazed at the antics of Tall Tex the stilt walker and give a hug to Alex the CNE Beaver. Watch the phenomenal juggler and unicyclist Ben Burland!

What's a visit to the Fair without wandering through the Arena to view hundreds of Homecraft exhibits and your kids' and grandchildren's schoolwork?

Many exhibitors spend countless hours knitting, sewing, crafting, baking and who knows what else just to win the big prize.

The "Huronia Spinners" are back this year, so be sure to see their beautiful craftsmanship.

A free shuttle bus will travel all weekend to the Fair Grounds.

Also, we will once again have a driver and golf cart available to travel the grounds for those who cannot walk it.

The Spring Fair promises to have something for everyone. For more, visit www.schombergfair.com, or call (905) 727-5897.

All times and events are subject to change due to weather or other extenuating circumstances.