It wasn’t the most convenient time for construction on Prospect Road as thousands of people poured into Exhibition Park yesterday, the final day of the Maritime Fall Fair.
Shrugging off the stress of some ill-timed road construction — which saw some wait 15 to 20 minutes — the fair’s manager, Fiona Kirkpatrick Parsons, said the long-weekend’s warm weather really brought out the crowds.
“People who live in an urban environment don’t often get the chance to get that rural experience,” she said. “This is all about communicating to people where your food comes from.”
Something new at the fair this year: there was a daily citizen-swearing-in ceremony where Canadian citizens could reaffirm their citizenship.
“It reminds us how fortunate we are and how welcoming to new Canadians to the Maritimes. I mean what better way is there to do it?”
It might have been a show to the spectators, but for the competitors — whether they were showing their cattle, sheep or horses — it was serious business.
Winning is important, said Becky Lowe from Cape Breton as she stood waiting to show Wendy, her heifer, yesterday afternoon.
“It shows you made progress over the years and you’re learning. It means a lot to me because this is one of my favourite things to do.”
