It was a soggy day for a fall fair, but that didn't dampen the spirits of those who did make it to the fair grounds in Meaford on Saturday.
The 155th edition of the Meaford & St. Vincent Fall Fair showcased the rich agricultural heritage of the area with everything from prize winning livestock to ribbon worthy vegetables.
Attendance was lower than most years as a result of the chilly temperatures and cold rain that certainly made this first weekend in September feel like autumn.
As a result of the weather, the midway rides for children sat idle for much of the day, and many fair visitors sought warmth inside the Curling Club building where local food producers and craftspeople displayed a cornucopia of local vegetables, quilts and flowers.
By contrast, just one year prior the Curling Club building was a place to seek refuge from the blazing heat during the 2009 Fall Fair.
For those willing to brave the rainy weather The Amanda Turner Building was host to a wide range of cattle that were competing for ribbons and bragging rights, while a short walk across the field horses and riders could be found galloping around inside a fenced-in pen.
Meaford Councillor and Deputy Mayor hopeful Gerald Shortt was spotted at the fair volunteering his time selling entry tickets.
“I've been coming to the fair all of my life,” Shortt told The Independent, “I remember when they used to have horse races around the race track.”
Shortt said that the fall fair is important for the community as it serves to remind everyone of the significance of agriculture in Meaford and it also is an opportunity for residents to take a break from busy modern lives to gather for a fun event.
One fair visitor saw a glimmer of sunlight through the rain and the clouds on Saturday when they told The Independent that “It's just 364 days until next year's fair.”
You just can't beat small town spirit.
