We have lived in a rural area of New Brunswick since the end of 2004. When we first settled here, I had the opportunity to work with some young people who had grown up on farms and were accustomed to hard work. They helped me in managing an agricultural show centre. They’re all grown up now, but many are still involved in family farms, 4-H Clubs (a few as leaders now), and the agricultural community.
This week the annual Kings County Agricultural Fair was held at the Princess Louise Park Show Centre (PLP). The barns were filled with displays of livestock of all types.
There were dairy cows and calves, a variety of sheep, goats, bunnies and chickens and so much more.
Each 4-H Club in the area had displays of the members’ work and in the main indoor arena, showmanship competitions were held. The place was packed with participants, proud family members and spectators both from the local area and tourists attracted by all of the activity in and around the Centre.
In one of the barns, large draft horses were stabled. Owners (and drivers and their families) were busy grooming their coats to a high shine; and preparing and polishing the complicated harnesses for use in the driving competitions to be held in the outdoor ring. Each animal (4 per team) would have it’s main braided as well as its tail. It’s a time consuming process requiring meticulous attention to detail. There’s a reason (aside from the obvious decorative features) for the braiding; it helps to keep the horse’s hairs from becoming entangled in the harnesses and causing a panic.
Dexterity, patience and concentration are needed!
Each group has its own wagon. The horses’ ribbons are colour coordinated to their owners’ wagons – all parked outside and gleaming in the sunshine. No detail is too small to be ignored.
There were more wagons.
There was a light horse competition for 4-H members. It involved a Showmanship class and various ridden competitions as well. In other words, the KCAF is a celebration of all things farm related!
As with the draft horses, the ligh horses were also checked for details – good grooming, clean and well fitted tack, etc.
No Agricultural fair would be complete without domestic skills entries too – gardening, produce, cooking and needlework were all on display as well.
The Kings County Agricultural Fair is three days celebrating all things farm related. For those who think their food comes pre-wrapped in styrofoam and plastic, or canned in a factory, it’s good to have a chance to learn about what it takes to prepare what you’re having for supper!
Capturing Cherished Memories 