The record, 1 septembre 2009, Supplément 2

EXPO 4, FAIR Wpjk Brome County NEWS Supplement September 2009 The Big Brome pïjjÿï'*;' - • .-V- • -Sfr-v nm*"*'* *¦*¦* r «-*•» fssm (3-11! ’ iu r**.\ « page 2 • BROME FAIR • BROME COUNTY NEWS Tuesday, September 1, 2009 CLAUDIA V1IAEMAIRE The pride and joy of the Brome County Fair fl.Proulx Trucking 242-2D62 Cell: 777-2062 Sand, Gravel, Different kinds of Crushed Stone, Field Stone Backhoe, Dozer, Dump Truck For small jobs, One Ton Dump Truck and Small Excavator Different qualities of Black Soil, Horse manure & Mushroom Compost available T.C.Home & Garden Care Peinture • Painting Coupe de gazon • Mowing Coupe d arbrei - Wood cutting Jardins de fleurs • Flower gardens Surveillance de résidence • Home watch Murs de pierre ¦ Stone walls TéL: 450 243-0290 - Cell 450 777-8593 Let the Fair Begin By Claudia Villemaire It never seems to stop surprising the keepers of historical records of such things.A county fair that transforms a sleepy village of fewer than 500 country people into a bustling, noisy mixture of thousands of vehicles jamming the one street, thousands of visitors strolling along ancient sidewalks, oblivious to the humps and bumps on the surface, walkways where pedestrians can touch passing vehicles, children are herded along into single lines and the elderly are carefully guided.Every one has the same goal -get through those gates to begin enjoying another Big Brome Fair.For over 150 years, this Labor Day weekend event has drawn visitors from every corner of the country.Looking back through years of records, the popularity of this county fair has been proven with numbers nearing 50,000 visitors during the four-day exhibition.City dwellers, out to enjoy the county fair atmosphere, find hundreds of animals to admire, dozens of kiosks tempting shoppers with Christmas or another holiday in mind, information about food production, and restaurants offering either traditional fair1 food or, in later years, traditional dishes from several countries or locally produced delicacies to tempt the most fastidious palate.Brome, the tiny host village, would be difficult to find under normal circumstances.The pavement ends just outside town, gravel roads that wind up through the hills that ring the village can give the adventurer with a bit of imagination, a taste of travel when stage coaches plied this region, linking tiny villages where perhaps a single general store carried basic supplies.Travellers on the highway between Knowlton and Cowansville might wonder for a second or two why there's a traffic light at what appears to be just an ordinary intersection.Or perhaps a quick glance in either direction doesn't explain the widened and paved highway crossing the busy traveller's path.But during the Labor Day Weekend Fair, lines of vehicles, moving at a snail pace those last three miles to the fair's several gates were the norm.Many a visitor with a scheduled time of arrival has been frustrated at the hour and a half spent inching along, Cont’d on Page 3 WITH FIVE STORES for your shopping convenience • excellent quality • reasonable prices • satisfaction guaranteed METRO PLOUFFE 20 Avenue des Pins, Bedford 450 Meigs N., Farnham 460 St-Patrice West, Magog 4801 Blvd.Bourque, Rock Forest 1175 King St.E„ Sherbrooke • ( « ¦ I BROME FAIR BROME COUNTY NEWS Tuesday, September 1, 2009 • page 3 Let the Fair Begin «MP MÊm CLAUDIA VILLEMAIRE «•(¦UMkKMM- ' * Horse and wagon teams share the spotlight CONT’D FROM PAGE 2 through the village, past parking lots developed on private properties along the way, finally giving in to a determined invitation from these people, only to find there's still a twenty minute or half hour walk left to negotiate.Improvements in recent years have sped up the approach to this fair.Traffic control along that last stretch, more gates along the fair's perimeter, widened gateways where only parking fees are requested, admission for pedestrians only, situated much closer to the fair.The fair itself covers 26 acres.There are approximately 50 buildings if we count the smaller enclosures where hydro and water pumps are housed.The main building, the largest and oldest structure, is three storeys high, octagonal in shape, housing a variety of commercial kiosks offering just about everything from shiny cookware, paintings by nationally renowned artists, garments, jewellery, the latest books, leather goods handmade by local crafters, - the list is endless.Here we also find maple and honey products, antique farm machinery and a display of trophies won by current exhibitors in various sections throughout the fair.The grandstand, with seating for close to 2,000, is a favourite spot where many visitors find a lower seat as halter classes for horses begin.Many will stay on the grandstand most of the day, a sort of beachhead they establish where friends and family can come by for a chat.Stables for livestock, sheep and goats, poultry and special displays are side by side near the main gate.Horse stables are quite a walk away, across the race track.There are dozens of picnic tables, a wide variety of food concessions, commercial kiosks under the grandstand, rest areas and first aid shelters, quiet corners for nursing mothers and a large petting zoo for kiddies of all ages.But the buildings are only islands in a sea of people milling around probably the largest midway carnival that comes to Eastern Townships fairs.Crowds fill aisles through stables and especially the poultry and small animal barn where youngsters and even some oldsters put their hands over their ears at the sound of dozens of roosters crowing, ducks and geese honking and a background 'cello' sound of their female counterparts.The arena nearby is the center of attention for livestock from nearby stables.Judging continues all weekend, from the largest beef type steer weighing close to a ton to the demure lambs and young goats exhibited without halter or lead line, controlled only by the exhibitors firm hold on chest and shoulder.Heavy and light horses prance their best all weekend too.In front of the grandstand, on the widened area in front of the stage, hitches up to six or eight horses, hauling what old timers would call a dray wagon, can manoeuvre comfortably, showing off the teamsters driving ability through turns, figure eights and the traditional 'wave', wheeling a team 90 degrees, from side to side.There are special events on that fabled stage all weekend too.From circus acts to popular stars of country music, attendance records prove organizers made wise choices throughout this fair's 153-year history.1048 Knowiion 3ML Lac Brume Sean Peasley Brian Wells Tel.: 450-263-9613 Mini - renovauott • constnuctka • cleaning • flatbed service 4* • all terrain pallet .mui ^ ' www.detraoM.ca Set tftu at t&e "tsiame 'pain.Am *tttm dfimni • irw Ammt Urn- Àmrnimt to- tie- tSubSt Howl: FriVSat./Mon.: 9 am-5 pm Sun.: 10am-4 pm LOCAL lamb • Beef • Chicken • Pork • Great Sausages Ccd Flowers • -Vegetables • Fruit (in season) Bread • Cheese • Sweets 605 KNOWLTON RD .KNOWLTON 450-243-6888 JONAS Sunday 8 p.m.EXPO FAIR ÏIÏ856«K Free Grandstand ¦ i * IONA Sept.4, 5, 6 & 7 2009 • Agri-Zone • Little Ray’s Reptile Zoo • Free Rides & attractions/Manèges gratuits • Quebec products/Produits du Québec • Petting zoo/Mini zoo • Youth & adult talent shows/Compétition de talents Shows Spectacles gratuits ,7 Sept., 2000 information: web site: www.bromefair.com - 345 Stagecoach Rd., Brome Tel.: (450) 242-3976 •a mrc brume- Missisoyoi ca RAC1I RURAL PAGE 4 • BROME FAIR BROME COUNTY NEWS Tuesday, September 1, 2009 There’s a Buzz in the Fair By Claudia Villemaire p£ IV; ichard, (Dick) Cadorette is president at Brome Fair this year.A quiet, thoughtful man, it's im-* — ^mediately obvious this fair is se- 1 rious business for him, his determination to 'head up' a successful event ringing through his conversation.There is a buzz in the air at the Brome Fair office as organizers shift into high gear as the festival draws closer; directors and volunteers flitted in and out, questions were answered quickly, and projects and plans reviewed.These are the last days to organize a fair where up to fifty thousand visitors, hundreds of exhibitors, another hundred or so concessionaires, commercial exhibitors and crafters can be registered, catalogued and assigned their space.But Cadorette is not worried."We have a great team not only carrying out the plans and projects we set out last Fall, but a team with good ideas.That is important to me as attracting more young people to participate, pre- FENCES Sales & Installation Commercial - Agricultural - Residential Electric Gates Clôtures Masterbilt Estrie 450-263-4435 or 514-258-2123 Dannie senting information about food production clearly, encouraging local food producers to take part - these are just some of the thoughts we have put into action.” Cadorette is an affable man, willing to chat about one of his favourite activities and challenges.“Directors, sponsoring partners and volunteers have been labouring endlessly to put together the best four-day county fair they can produce.” A case in point is the information program that was so successful last year.In a reserved corner of the arena, visitors of all ages will be treated to a hands-on experience and explanations of the functions and processes that result in milk from a dairy cow, meat from a beef animal, wool and milk from sheep and milk and meat from goats.Horses, large and small will also make regular appearances in this special corner and Jay Bradley, well-known Shorthorn breeder and judge of beef breeds will be a fountain of knowledge, talking about each production and animal."We were hoping to bridge in some small way the ever-widening gap between the folks who produce our food and the folks who enjoy it.With farm roots and backgrounds getting further as each generation emerges, urban young people really have little knowledge about the origin of their food." They know milk somehow comes Darius I IF Wrnmmmm W mm (Jo nqratidatious to the (Brome Cfah' Division & the many oolunteersl 1Oe loill he there as proud supporters.ANGE-GARDIEN 293-6433 BEDFORD 248-4307 FARNHAM 293-3646 COWANSVILLE 266-1444 KNOWLTON 243-1444 •m: 111 CLAUDIA VILÏ.FMAIRE Richard Cadorette, ‘our barns are full and we can’t ask for better" .from cows as does meat, but that's about it.“We are hoping, through these projects, with demonstrations four times each day, we'll stir up interest and perhaps visitors will leave better informed about agriculture and food production than when they walked in." The program has developed into a fun place with play areas, sand boxes filled with grains instead of sand and different feed carefully labelled as dairy feed or growing mixtures.Everyone is invited to try to get milk from a cow or feel the shape of a muscle that could turn up as a roast for Sunday dinner.Once again this year, audiences will learn about the complicated digestive system cows operate, with four stomachs and forage and grains that must be chewed twice, (chewing their cud).The program extends beyond cows, of course, offering information on all sorts of farm animals and techniques.Cadorette’s many years managing the Gray/Donald herd brought him to the attention of fair organizers and it wasn't long before he found himself heading up the Beef committee, and quickly moving up through the ranks, finally to the President’s chair.Cont’d on Page 5 STONEY CREEK KENNEL Dogs & Cats Nestled In the woods km from the roai 5 giant outdoor ^ dog runs _ Daycare S10/day We have heated floors and pickup service Boarding 1O7.0ailey Road, West Bolton (450) 243-5405 Justice Mi Ptvdopra tnt 1 888 234-8533 www.devp.org BROME FAIR • BROME COUNTY NEWS Tuesday, September 1, 2009 • page 5 Buzz Baker and the Big Brome Fair CLAUDIA VILLEMAIRE 11 - ''$¦'& 4' - 'fe-.- .• Buzz Baker The maintenance clock is always ticking By Claudia Villemaire Buzz Baker is not a small guy.His voice is gruff and his stature indicates strength and determination - well suited to his task of maintaining the Brome Fair’s buildings and grounds.“There’s always plenty to do each year,” he says.But that’s the easy part.” Oh?Baker explains.“Each fall, every fair committee is invited to present the projects they’d like completed for the next fair.That could mean small things like new light in a stable or some repairs or small changes to improve their area.However, some years, the projects the board approves are big ones.And this year, we’ve had a couple.“We’ve really done a big job in the main building, new floors, new stairways outside replacing the old, crumbling cement stairs, and finally installing a ramp near the eating area tents,” he says, settling into his chair for a long conversation.” Baker’s list was just beginning.Washrooms near the main path crossing the race track to the machinery exhibit have been completely renovated.“There’s a new floor, new metal stalls meeting Agriculture Department regulations, new sinks, fresh paint - I guess you could say everything is modernized except the old wood-framed building itself.Those 44 stalls were so narrow, you probably wouldn’t find them cramped, but I sure did.Granted, with the larger stalls, there are only 33 now, but we’ll have four wash basins instead of two and we figure the line-ups will move a lot quicker.” Baker’s annual tasks begin when the first signs of spring turn the fairgrounds green.“We have ponds and pumps to clean and repair if necessary.The ponds supply water for cattle, while four springs supply drinking water.“And those pumps, which are stored away for the winter, must be re-installed and checked out.” And there’s more, much more.“Imagine how many light bulbs and fluorescent tubes must be changed, emergency supplies ordered and stored.Cases of toilet paper are piled high in storerooms, and we buy garbage bags by the thousands.” This inventory is necessary for more than just the fair.Various activities go on all summer on the grounds and in the reception hall attached to the office.“But I have to make sure there’s enough for the season.” Keeping the grounds trimmed, taking care of the trees past directors and presidents have planted, making sure all the restaurant equipment is in place with the required number of refrigerators, stoves and paraphernalia needed to feed thousands who seem to consider Brome Fair a giant eatery.Hauling out picnic tables, benches and tables, organizing rest areas with seating, garbage and re-cycling bins - Baker rolls his eyes a bit.“I’ve been doing this about ten years now.So, they don’t surprise me any more.But, thanks to the volunteers who help me out, we get the job done.” “It looks good this year.Of course, all that rain helps keep the grass green.But we’ve done quite a bit of painting, notably the main building and everything is shipshape for the fair.” “We are almost done.Have to go and get some refrigerators organized for one restaurant and it’s getting close to supper time,” says this square-set man, who obviously takes the approaching supper hour seriously.“See you at the fair.” ¦ft.~ • rïiti LOIS HARDACKER Chartered Real Estate Agent 450-242-2000 HMMMIIIII!IIIIIIIIIIIII!II royal Lepage CHARTERED REAL ESTATE BROKER tMPUHhUvwMCViBM lois @ royal lepage.ca www.loishardacker.ca ¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦¦Mi Retirement Lizring In The Picturesque Town of Knowlton Competitive Prices Provincial government tax credit provided.Maximum up to $275lmo.A place to call Home.Independence & Dignity Warm Friendly Atmosphere Enjoy all the comforts of home and more in our spacious bedsitting rooms and 1 bedroom suites Manoir Lac Brome, 28 Mount Echo, Knowlton (450) 242-4663 or 1-800-453-3246 www.manoirlacbrome.com Check out our e-mail: manoirlacbrome@bellnet.ca otnatne bes ;§rables ($«-?ram«) FÉLIX ALLARD, prés.Winter and summer camping • Propane gas Summer and winter fishing • Hunting and fishing permits , DÉPANNEUR and LICENSED RESTAURANT 688, rue Bondville (Foster) Ville de Lac-Brome Tél.: 450-242-8888 (Sortie 90, 243 sud, 215 sud, Autoroute des Cantons-de-l'Est PAGE 6 • BROME FAIR • BROME COUNTY NEWS Tuesday, September 1, 2009 Nelsha Fontaine: When you need an idea.This organizer is organized By Claudia Villemaire She seems much too demure for her position as secretary in the Brome Fair office.Soft-spoken, always seeming to step back, letting others do the talking, Nelsha Fontaine surprises everyone with her determination to present and follow through on ideas that are bringing visitors and even exhibitors a different approach to agriculture - the AGRI-ZONE.“Actually Ernie Banks came up with the idea for a new, educational activity we’ve begun in the Arena,” says Fontaine.“His inspiration came from a survey made on this and other fairs recommending more educational activities be developed.” Fontaine took Banks’ idea and ran with it.“Last year, in the front arena corner we began with a set-up that somewhat resembled a rural homestead.We brought different animals to that area at various times every fair day: Those who gathered there were treated to explanations as varied as the animals presented.The presenters discussed beef cattle, describing how the multi-stomached bovine could both produce enough milk to nourish her calf, and also develop the muscle most visitors know as steak, roast or hamburger.They introduced dairy cows, making sure they had enough milk in their udders to squirt a stream or two in the direction of the audience.Sheep, goats, heavy and light horses were all brought in one by one, allowing close scrutiny, encouraging questions and hopefully enlightening the curious crowd.‘It was a great success last year,” Fontaine recalled.“Even some exhibitors came out to see what was going on and stayed to watch.” This year, the AGRI-ZONE has expanded to include even more activities for all.A hands-on approach is on the program.A questionnaire will be handed out.“Questions like find the Brown Swiss Cow, or a certain model John Deere tractor or maybe the stationary engines or a specified farm machine.” Answering the questions will require a complete tour of the fair, another way to ensure that visitors get a glimpse of everything.Once participants complete the questionnaire it must go in the AGRI ZONE bucket where participants will get a Brome Fair Dollar.Cont’d on Page 7 Produits Pétroliers WIGNE Inc Heating Oil - Huile à chauffage Gaz - Diesel Lubricants CLAUDIA VILLEMAIRE Enjoy the Fair! 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(Discounts for Seniors) RBQ 8312-1434-37 Dave Chartrand - General Contractor 25 years experience S Utton 450-538-2570 THE BEIN GIFT OF G THERE 24 hours a day 7 days a week 365 days a year Across the! world Aero ss the street ?Canadian Red Croas Québec Division www.redcross.ca l 8oo JYCROIX (l 8oo 592-7649) BROME FAIR • BROME COUNTY NEWS Tuesday, September 1, 2009 • page 7 When you need an idea CLAUDIA VILLEMA1RE /S^Ssj Ernie Banks, co-funder of the Agri-Zone Cont’d from Page 6 “They’ll be able to trade that dollar in for honey or maple candy, a fruit, candy floss or an ice cream cone,” Fontaine said.How does one find all the answers?“There’s no rule that says you can’t ask an exhibitor for help or directions.” ‘We’ll also invite the kids to be a farmer for a day.They’ll get the chance to dig a potato, pick an apple, milk a cow or slip a hand under a hen to find an egg.We think we’ve got an interesting program lined up, designed to educate our visitors while they have fun participating.1 know I’d probably take part too.” Fontaine grew up on her family’s hobby farm in Mansonville, where animals were varied but not numerous.Brome Fair was always marked on the calendar as a ‘must’ every year.“I remember showing my Peking ducks at the fair, providing them with a small swimming pool in their cage.That was one of the most popular spots in the poultry house, kids watching those ducks play in the water.” The Royea family weren’t really serious farmers but their love of animals was transmitted to daughter Nelsha.Today this determined supporter of the county fair is married, living in Knowl-ton and working at a totally unrelated position.But she finds time to return to her desk at the fair office, joining the bustle during the weeks leading up to opening day.“Even though we’re computerized now, there’s still a load of paperwork.Just one example is transferring information about the judging schedules which is drawn from exhibitors’ entries.This is time consuming even with the computer doing a good part of the work.” For spectators there’s a program for each breed, outlining specific classes, listing entries and exhibitors and leaving room for notes and results.The judge and personnel have special catalogues too, recording the judge’s decisions for each class, Fontaine explains.“That’s just one example of what keeps us busy at each fair.” Co-workers are unanimous.You need an idea, or have a special project in mind?Take it to Nelsha.ELISABETH TETU Audioprosthesist More than 60 clinics GROUPEFORGET.COM GROUPE FORGET NEW CLINIC IN COWANSVILLE 370 DE LA RIVIÈRE, SUITE 109 11 HEARING LOSS ISOLATES US FROM THOSE WE LOVE.CONTACT - GROUPE FORGET: IT COULD CHANGE YOUR LIFE! For appointment at Cowansville or Granby 450 372-1022 > *4 < Un heritage à partager LEAVli A LEGACY Québec www.legacy-quebec.org I 888 304-8834 Speak right from the heart.A donation in memory of a loved one is a gift of hope.It takes just a few minutes.A card will be sent to the bereaved family as a token of your sympathy and generosity.1 888 473-4636 Q?HEART AND STROKE FOUNDATION OF QUEBEC Cat Condos Dog Boarding I)< •*’ Pick t p& Delivery Services www.cdacbromc.com/kennel 450-243-5587 Chenil LaLme Kennel Pension et Bain Boarding & Bath ¦ Mountain View Farm Horse Drawn Caleche Service Call 450.538.7786 Paul Santerre ' \ ‘Weddings and Speciaf Occasions page 8 • BROME FAIR • BROME COUNTY NEWS Tuesday, September 1, 2009 Beginners take over the show “Involving teams of non-farm people could be lots of fun” - Diana Frizzle By Claudia Villemaire ¦ ¦ «here’s a buzz of excitement around the Brome Fair office.Diana Frizzle, who normally looks after the 4-H Club competitions, is taking care of a different kind of paperwork that brings nearly one hundred youngsters and young adults to a competition that includes judging, showmanship and breed conformation.Frizzle is still looking after this event, lining up judges and organizing classes which will see the youngest Pee-Wees begin in showmanship and breed confirmation, alongside contestants up to 25 years-old looking for that final big win before outgrowing the junior classes.But this year Frizzle has something else under her hat.“We aren’t holding the races on Monday this year, so we all agreed that it would be ideal to come up with an event that would involve local Dr Alix Serapiglia, mv Services vétérinaires équins Equine veterinary services BROMONT TEL : 450 525 1181 EMERGENCY 24/7: 450 525 0192 www.servicesveterinairesambulatoireequin.com • Preventive Medicine (vaccines, deworming, dentistery.) • General medicine • Lameness • X-Ray • Ultrasound • Pre-purchase exams • Minor surgery (castration, wounds.) • Emergency service people and attract their families and friends to the fair.“That’s when we got the notion that a competition involving local teams of four non-farm people could be lots of fun.” The teams of uninitiated civilians will be at the mercy of organizers, who have lined up a series of activities that will test their skill and understanding of‘farmer things’ in front of the grandstand.“I’m not going to give away all the secrets, but I will say, rolling a round bale of hay over a pre-determined course is one thing.Milk a cow?Lead a calf?No, I’m really not going to say, but I can assure every participant their safety will not be in jeopardy.At least, I don’t think so,” she hints mysteriously.“We have encouraged local media people to form teams.” Her gaze is pointed.“Perhaps you could do something on that line eh?” Monday morning will also be filled with activities out on the track.“We’ve organized a ‘skidding’ contest.” It doesn’t involve cars or pickups.Skidding is a term used when lumberjacks haul logs out of the forest to a ‘yard’ where a truck can load from the pile.Frizzle is a city girl who had to learn quickly about farm life when love intervened and marriage brought her to the Frizzle family farm.She shows off her understanding and experience, gained through years helping out with chores and doing many of the activities on the program.Monday’s skidding will show horses dragging logs.A good skid-der will line up his logs exactly, the horse working with the skidder, responding correctly to commands that might include words not usually heard in the ring.“Get over just a bit’ or “step ahead”, or “slowly now, go easy” or, when the horse is inexperienced, **MH 1 tWHB i,, m 1 v- ibfr Æ.¦ .%¦ ¦¦ * '*¦*** j mpnnfflUflint ¦ .* I f§ .J||| ~ .R ft 1 Ü ' f CLAUDIA VILLEMAIRE Diana Frizzle get up in there, what’s the matter with you"., “So we’ll soon know who has experience and who hasn’t,” Frizzle says with a rather smug smile.Diana and husband Larry are both past presidents of the fair board, and long-time exhibitors of Holstein dairy cattle.This is another family with the Brome Fair ‘bug’ firmly implanted.Larry hurries between director duties, the dairy barn and regular appearances at the Entertainment Centre, where he plays trumpet in the Knowlton Band.They’ll tell you they are retiring from active farming now that son Tom has taken up the reins.But anyone looking for either usually has to go to the farm to find them helping with chores or field work.It seems retirement is a concept not clearly understood in the Frizzle household.The 4-H competitions usually take place in the outdoor ring near the stables.These clubs have expanded to in- clude several categories for youngsters to exhibit, including sheep, goats, poultry, horticulture, crafts and horses.Total points are also calculated, giving clubs added incentive to win as a club as well as on an individual basis.The clubs have grown in recent years, as has interest from young people who are not in rural settings.Members and their parents often lend an animal to a city dweller showing an interest, making sure they can travel to meetings and clinics and whatever social events are planned through the year.“Having more categories has also helped interest new members to try it out.So 4-H events are really growing,” she says.Frizzle, still smiling, is striding away, a sheaf of papers in her hand.“Hope you can get a team together," she says, her smile turnihg into a laugh.“Having a Record team competing would great.We’ve got at least two local media teams lined up already.” She taunts a bit.That smile is back.dation- tiSfeSS Friday, Sept.18, 7-9 p.m.WWW.tdaV.CÛ Arts Gala at the Old Union Church Hall in Massawippl J Launch of Taproot IV: Poetry, Prose and Images from the Eastern Townships kw@tOWnshippers.qc.Cd Saturday, Sept, 19, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.at the Ayer's Cliff Fairgrounds Activities, exhibits, food, fun for all ages • Free admission, S2 parking donation 450-242-4421 1-877-242-4421 Canada BROME FAIR • BROME COUNTY NEWS Tuesday, September 1, 2009 • page 9 Small animals are part of our food chain tors to the colourful animal community under the open-sided enclosure.The popularity of these displays, where youngsters can purchase a handful of feed to offer the various small animals they are meeting, has increased in recent years.Today’s urban families have little or no connection to the animals that helped early settlers survive.What city child can feel the warm, soft fleece of a sheep and understand that the socks he is wearing came from that fibre?One can only imagine a teenager’s thoughts watching someone tug the fleece into a slim line, watching it stretch onto a spinning wheel bobbin, magically transforming into strands of wool eventually used to knit socks or sweaters.The clucking hen, herding her feathering chicks, calling them to attention as she scratches away shavings to reveal a few grains of wheat, doesn’t seem to be the maker of the egg in a morning omelette.The young goats play ‘king of the hill’ on the roof of their shelter, a practice of watching for enemies, learning how to bunt them away and protect their home from predators.In the petting farm, piglets grunt and squeal, delighting toddlers who imitate their call, not realizing this is all part of the ongoing conversation between mother pig and her litter, an important connection that can warn of danger or tell that there’s food nearby.Best of all are the rabbits.They are always sedate, hopping about qui- etly or snuggled into a corner of bedding hollowed to form a round nest.Requests to touch or hold are usually granted, and visitors young and old go away with the memory of that warm fluffy body.Fair organizers everywhere have recognized the need to provide more information about food production.At Brome they have taken the challenge, with informative programs and projects that have more than doubled in recent years.Visitors here this year will find several areas where displays offer information and hands-on learning about the food we enjoy.Details are in the program flyers and signs on the grounds.Multiple sclerosis never hits just one person.It affects the entire family.Multiple Sclerosis ______ Society of Canada 1-800’268-7582 www.mssociety.ca D.P.L.REPAIRS PETITS MOTEURS Paiement direct.Visa & Mastercard Pièces et réparation V.T.T.Toutes marques SMALL MOTORS Parts & repairs of all makes of ATV, scooter, motocross Dan Cotton, prop.1081, chemin Knowlton.West Brome Fax: 450 265-8472 Tel.: 450-263-4435 Cjaferie ‘KnowftOtl Cjaffety Peinture Photographie Sculpture Bijoux Design Meubles Prestige Verre Poterie Céramique Paintings Photography Sculptures Designer Jewelry Prestige Furniture Glassware Pottery Ceramics 49, me Victoria, Knowlton 450 242.1666 www.galericknowlton.com : one of the many creatures at this year’s Brome Fair Petting zoo means business CLAUDIA VILLEMAIRE By Claudia Villemaire Education and information come in many forms.Have you ever held the tiny ball of fluff that’s a baby rabbit in the palm of your hand?Or sat down amid a few playful miniature goats, their antics taking them into your lap, snuffling your ear or shyly climbing onto your knees to gaze into your eyes?All this and more awaits young visitors to Brome Fair where animals come in extra small sizes to triple extra large.The Clarkson family have been bringing their Petting Farm to the Brome Fair for a few years now.Their purpose is presenting friendly small animals in spotless surroundings with friendly helpers ready to introduce their youngest visi- Gallagher Gagné Notaries Inc.Notaries Of Title Attorneys 35 Victoria St., Knowlton 302, Principale 450-242-1555 Mansonville 450-242-1558 e-mail: legal@notarius.net £"2 yj., .v® Since 1948 GPS AGUME SPREADING service CALCIC AND DOLOMITIC AGLIME Also available: Truck with flottation tires or Tractor hauled spreaded TRANSPORT HANIGAN INC.Notre-Dame de Stanbridge (450) 296-4996 I page 10 • BROME FAIR • BROME COUNTY NEWS Tuesday, September 1, 2009 A Buzz in the Fair Cont’d from Page 4 “I didn't grow up on a farm but my uncles were farmers and I did spend a lot of time with them.And of course, the calendar was circled at our house, ] marking the day or days we'd be going to the Brome Fair.Mom and Dad always wanted to leave early to be sure of a good parking spot on the grounds.I remember the old dining hall where we'd all go to breakfast before starting out.It was the highpoint of the summer, and it wasn't long before my interest expanded to volunteering to help out wherever they needed a hand.'1 “Again this year, I was worried that many exhibitors wouldn't come out for the fair.With such terrible weather, many of the usual show people are still trying to get crops off the land and I'm very proud of their response to make the effort anyway.Our barns are full and we can't ask for better." Another project Fair organizers have been working on is trying to be 'greener'."We have dozens of re-cycle bins everywhere, well marked and painted bright red.The public is slowly learning we must eventually separate recycling material from what could be compost and we intend to continue this aspect of the fair each year.Safety, security and helping people develop good habits 1 think is an important challenge and one that we are continuously trying to improve.” When not managing the fair, a big job in and of itself, Cadorette manages the Silver Spring farm near Brome.“The Gray/Donald herd was sold four years ago and I was pleased to find this farm where the challenge of genetic programming and all that goes with that is a daily activity." He is also working in partnership with Paul Mastine of Richmond on genetic programs proposed by the Triara Company.“We are using this program on selected animals in the Hereford, Angus and Black Simmental breeds.It's quite an interesting approach, trying to improve breed and carcass quality as well as the animals’ ability to transform vegetable protein into meat protein." All in all, Cadorette is ready and ex- cited for this year’s fair and has nothing but good things to say about all involved."You know, the prize money doesn't cover much of the cost of getting a herd to a fair.You could easily say these are volunteers too, offering to do what they can to put together another great fair.“To all who support and encourage this fair, the board, sponsors and volunteers and especially the thousands who come through those gates and of course, hopefully combined with reasonable weather from Mother Nature, I want to say a big thank you.If we didn't have all those volunteers and supporters, there just couldn't be a country fair like this." FÀIÏI EXPO mi SNrtrMi^ j SEPTEMBER 4, 5, 6, 7, 2009 FRIDAY 08:00 Horse Judging**** 09:00 Farm Produce Judging Beef Cattle Judging (Simmental & Hereford)* 10:00 Little Ray’s Reptile Zoo*** 11:00 Micky Farkas*** 12:00 Gastoni Attractions*** 13:00 Little Ray’s Reptile Zoo*** Beef Cattle Judging (Charolais, Shorthorn, Angus)* 14:00 Frost Village Music Society*** 15:00 Young Farmers Horse Show**** Country Friends*** 16:00 Gastoni Attractions*** 17:00 Little Ray’s Reptile Zoo**** 18:00 Gary Darling*** 19:00 Adult Talent Contest*** 19:30 Horse Pull**** SATURDAY 08:00 Horse Judging**** 09:00 Poultry Judging 10:00 Dairy Cattle Judging (Ayrshire, Holstein) 11:00 Dairy Cattle Judging (Jersey)* Little Ray’s Reptile Zoo*** 12:00 Gastoni Attractions*** 13:00 Foster Grit*** 14:00 Youth Talent Contest*** 16:00 Little Ray’s Reptile Zoo*** 17:00 Gastoni Attractions*** 18:00 Tuned*** 19:00 Yvon Sirois*** 19:00 ASTTQTruck Pull**** 20:00 Big in China*** 21:00 Homegrown Country*** SUNDAY 08:00 Horse Judging**** 09:00 Sheep Judging** Rabbit judging 09:00 Ecumenical Church Service 09:30 Goat Judging** 10:00 Little Ray’s Reptiie Zoo*** 11:00 Gastoni Attractions*** 12:00 Rainbow Cloggers*** 12:00 Machinery Parade**** 12:45 Gastoni Attractions**** 13:00 The Big Parade**** Mannix St Amant & the Dirty Blues-14:00 Kn owl ton Harmony Band*** 15:00 Alumni Young Farmers* Rainbow Country Cloggers*** 16:00 Little Ray’s Reptile Zoo*** 17:00 Gastoni Attractions*** 18:00 Solstice*** 19:00 Solstice*** 20:00 Jonas**** MONDAY 08:00 Horse Judging**** 09:00 Young Farmers Calf & showmanship Classes* 09:30 Young Farmers Sheep and Goat Showmanship Classes* 10:00 Little Ray’s Reptile Zoo*** 11:00 Gastoni Attractions*** 12:00 Brome Squares*** 13:00 Little Ray’s Reptile Zoo- 14:00 Gastoni Attractions*** 15:00 Silverado*** 16:00 Wayne Durrell*** 17:00 Wayne Durrell*** * Cattle showring ** Covered arena Entertainment Centre Grandstand Stage Subject to change without notice. I I BROME FAIR • BROME COUNTY NEWS Tuesday, September 1, 2009 EXPO *î?6,7 Amusements Spectaculaires • AGRI-ZONE • PRODUITS DU QUÉBEC/QUEBEC PRODUCTS • PETITE RUHUŒ/PETTMG ZOO • ATTRACTION GASTONI ATTRACTIONS • CASSE-CROÛTES/FOOD CONCESSIONS 4 DÉCOUVRIR! TO DISCOVER1 MO UMAUTHOSZH» WTS/AMaHAi.* mjbbm-'*»" ' *, * Télésiège en opération lOh à 16h (selon la température).-> Excursions guidées au sommet de la montagne et vers la loge maçonique.-> Excursions guidées à la roche indienne.-> Animations musicales de midi à 14hrs.-> Activités pour enfants.-> Casse-croûte européen sur les lieux.ANTIQUES, ARTS & CRAFTS OTHER ACTIVITIES -> Chairlift in operation 10am to 4pm (weather permitting) -> Guided tours on the sommet of the mountain and the Masonic Lodge.-> Guided tours to the • Indian Rock -> Live Music from noon to 2PM -> Activities for children -> European BBQ on site ;ne initiative de Développement C.Xvl's Heacl inc.en collaboration avec l’Association du Patrimoine et du Centre Ken Jones du Canton de Potton.An initiative by Owl’s Head Developement Inc.in collaboration with the Potton Heritage Association and the Ken Jones Center of Potton Township.www.owlshead.com / info@owlshcad.com / (450) 292-3342 / (800) 363-3342 By Mable Hastings Brome Lake artist, Barry Dyball has been living in the Eastern Townships all of his life.Bom in Sherbrooke; Barry has made his home in Knowlton for the past 45 years.I visited Barry at his home and basement studio last week.Some may know Barry as the guy who worked at Knowlton Packaging in the packaging quality assurance department for over 28 years until 2008?Others may recall his 13-year career before that, in art metal working; hand forging old European style wrought iron?And.some may just know him as the guy who judges the art competition every second year at the Big Brome Fair; a job he alternates each year with fellow artist, Gordon Ladd.Whether you know Barry personally or not, one look at his paintings and you know that his true passion is his artistry.“My desire to pursue a drastic change in art form took place in 1988; after viewing an exhibit of oil paintings by my friend and local artist, Gordon Ladd,” explained Barry.After spending one winter on his own experimenting with oil on canvas, Barry managed to convince Gordon to give him lessons over a four year period.He also pursued a course with Northern Lights Art School in Cincinnati.Influenced by his love for the Townships, his subject matter of local landscapes is breathtaking.He also enjoys painting a wide range of subjects including maritime scenes, cityscapes, wildlife, buildings and structures and just about anything that catches his eye! Barry has held eight solo exhibits at the museum of the Brome County Historical Society.He sells privately from his home studio and has sold through local art galleries.In the year 2000, he entered the print market with four paintings.These are 200 limited edition prints of each original painting, all of which are signed and numbered.Cont’d on Page 19 Complete Tack Shop c&ouOSZ'r 'E £Q Western 49, rue Sherbrooke Magog, Quebec 819 843-3838 Boots Clothing Accessories Gifts/Jewelery OPEN 7 DAYS Solidarity 1 888 23A8S33 www.devp.org — -; 1 -I WÊmÈÊÈÈÊÊÊÈÊÊm - *• - -.- hH - - - y __________L .•'• |>v^- Ü0fc* Jk:r SwA ÿ*’?, *¦ >•>, Canadian Red Cross Quebec Division 1-800-418-1111 PP* -, BECOME A VOLUNTEER: 1-877-356-3226 make a DONATION: BROME FAIR BROME COUNTY NEWS Tuesday, September 1, 2009 PAGE 19 One Man’s Passion ConTd from Page 18 In 1994 Barry began offering art classes from his basement studio.With some 6-8 students one night per week, he is quick to admit that although he is there to teach and guide, he often learns from his students as well.From Barry's enthusiasm, one realizes that the classes are both a learning experience as well as a social gathering.This coming week, Barry will judge the Brome Fair Art competition in all categories and age groups.“I am quite impressed with the talent in the Eastern Townships,” states Barry.“The Brome Fair gives local artists of all ages the opportunity to shine and share their creative work.” As for this correspondent, I am no art critic but, the painting Barry did of the little church on Tuer Road, just outside of Knowlton with the fields heavy with snow, really caught my eye.It is a scene that I have marveled each year on a drive into Brome Lake since I was a young girl on the school bus.I have often thought to myself, “If I were a painter, I’d paint this scene.” Local artists are one of our area’s treasures.They remind us, through their talent, that we live in one of the most beautiful parts of Canada.Whether it be his the painting of the park bench in Hatley, the old gas pumps in Stanbridge or that scene on Tuer road; 1 left Barry’s studio thankful to live where I do.Another beautiful local scene from the Knowlton area COURTESY DESTINATIONKNOWITON * Pierre concassée * Sable filtrant • Transport The Lancaster Fair Advanced Tickets at 1-603-708-4531 or Groveton: Munce’s Konvenience • Lancaster.Parker’s Jewelry, Ounce’s /Convenience In Vermont Horizon Dell, St Johnsbury • Campsite Reservations: 1*03-788-2411 You can buy tickets online at http-Jfwwve.lancastertalr.com/tlckets.htm T6I.: Fax : 450 248-7874 450 295-3422 450 848-3763 1338, Maaka Dunham (OC) JOE 1MO.cnrrieremarchandOvidootran.ca 0.0.0.: 8318-7841*9 WEDNESDAY Annual Cruise Night Classic Cars & Trucks 6 p.m.SUNDAY Oxen Log Obstacle Course Oxen Ring (Midfield) 10 a.m.Shrek arrives at Kids’ Korner 11 a.m.Big Truck Pull Main Grandstand 1 p.m.4-Wheen Drive Pull 7 p.m.SATURDAY THURSDAY 4-H Horse Show Horse Show Ring 11 a.m.T-Bar Rodeo Main Grandstand 7 p.m.Tommy Vee Hypnotist Free Talent Stage 7 p.m.MONDAY Farm Tractor Pull Tractor Pulling Area 10 a.m.Draft Horse Show NASHHCS Qualifying Show Draft Horse Show Ring 1 p.m.3 p.m.opening Act - Terri Clark Paid Grandstand FRIDAY Mt.Washington Valley Horse Show Horse Show Ring 9 a.m.Freestyle motorcross Paid Grandstand 6 & 8 p.m.7 p.m.Entertainment Terri Clark Paid Grandstand 2 p.m.& 6 p.m.Opening Act Jules Rancourt Paid Grandstand HP rrw I 6 DAYS - WEDNESDAY, SEPT.2nd - THRU MONDAY, SEPT.7th 2009 Pay-One-Price Rides $12.00 Wednesday 12-5 and 5-10 p.m.Thursday 12-5 and 5-10 p.m.Monday 11-3 and 3-6 p.m.GIANT MIDWAY ¦ 4-H Exhibits/Shows ¦ Oxen & Cattle Shows • Horse Pulling - Pony Pulling • Exhibition Halls • Horse Shows • Lawn & Garden Tractor Pull *4* V 4sa-ï2rr4 ¦ » 140-I luc Sherhobko.Cowansville, Qiiélvi.tel.: (450F2M-2050 Michel Gazoille u ww.acphisiiic.cu CLAUDIA VILLEMAIRE 1ER KNOWLTON 461 Knowlton Rd.Don’t be a turkey, get to the Brome Fair ggza gazaille tUffw KHomroi Ginette Gazaille Owner Owner OPEN: DAILY 8 a.m.-10 p.m &a«yicit«tatta*4 ta tAt Tkutctana.£*ja