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"A Family Tradition for 128 Years" PORT PERRY STAR - Tuesday, February 6, 1996 -3 FOR THE LOVE OF THE FAIR Joyce Kelly, Blackstock Agricultural Society se By Jeff Mitchell Port Perry Star S ournony FROM the city asked Joyce Kelly once, "What is a fair? How do you describe a fair?" It took her some moments, she recalls, to come up with a reply. "A fair is a very unique thing," she says now. "It's a feeling; it's more than just an event." And that is why Mrs. Kelly, in addition to her busy life as a trustee with the Durham Board of Education and now, councillor for Cartwright on Scugog Township council, has found time for the past 30 years to help make it all come togeth- er at fair time. As secretary- treasurer with the Blackstock Agricultural Society she has worked closely with directors and exhibitors to keep up the quality of a summer fair that has run continuously 130 years. Tz ACCOLADES and tributes were many this past Wednesday night (Jan. 31), when Mrs. Kelly attended her last annual Ag Sociéty meeting as secretary. She will remain on the fair board as an associate director, but is stepping back from the sometimes frenzied role of secretary. "There was no particular reason," she said of her decision to step down. "It just seemed to be the right time; 30 seemed to be a nice round figure." "I'm going to have withdraw- al symptoms, I think." The fair has always had a special place in the heart of the native of Purple Hill. Mrs. Kelly remembers how the annual agricultural exhibition was an institution for the gen- erations before her. "When 1 was a little kid, we had an apple tree out in the back yard," she said. "My grandmother -- she must have been in her 60's then -- said, "You know, Joyce, those are the best apples in the township.' "I said, 'How do you know?" "She said, 'They won first place at the Blackstock Fair." Ms. KELLY'S involve- ment with the fair began in 1965, soon after she and hus- band Gerald moved to Blackstock after living for a few years in Oshawa. She leapt in feet first, assuming the post of secretary-treasurer, and soon found out the job entailed -- well, everything. The job includes "all the leg work," said Mrs. Kelly. "It's like getting ready for a wedding," she said. "There are so many little details." She is quick to point out, though, that the Blackstock Fair is anything but a one- woman show. The fair is the result of months of hard work and cooperation by 18 directors and some 50 associate direc- tors, as well as exhibitors, the folks brought in for entertain- ment, the 4-H and school kids whose work is on display, and, of course, everyone who comes every year, from near and far, to take it all in and enjoy it. "The best part of the ELA . J cretary, calls it quits 5: ow Ea i A id Joyce Kelly, (left) secretary decades has retired, noting no part of the Blackstock Agricultural Society for the past three icular reason to retire at this time other than 30 is a nice round figure. With her is Janice Beachy who has assumed the role of secretary. Blackstock Fair is the people," said Mrs. Kelly. "The directors and the community all work together." Tz FAIR is a celebration of country life; there's no doubt about that. The agricultural displays still occupy the most space on the grounds and in the arena each year, and attrac- tions such as the horse show and pull are sure every time to fill the grandstand. - The event can be a home- coming for those looking for their rural roots, and it can also be an exploration for city folks who find cows and pigs and sheep oddities, rather than parts of the landscape. It's where rural and urban meet," said Mrs. Kelly. "Many urban people do have rural roots. They're coming back to their roots, really." And the fair is always there for them. It changes slightly -over the years, but there are some staples on which you can always count. "It's older than Canada," Mrs. Kelly observed. "It started before Confederation, in 1865. "When I first moved here we had an old gentleman who was 90 -- and this was 30 years ago -- and he said he could remember how he used to go down and jump the fence to get into the fair." And as for the future? the show, Mrs. Kelly contends, will go. on. "I think fairs are around for a long time to stay, because people love to have them." ~ Get fishing: Derby starts next week Ww Forder-Parks Insurance Brokers Inc. CN K OF S YEAR Personal attention to all of 6.0% Great prizes are up for grabs in the Star's winter derby By Kelly Lown Port Perry Star The Port Perry Star's Pickerel Ice Fishing Der- by begins next Friday and continues through Febru- ary 28. First prize in the con- test is $200 with $100 for second and $75 for third. First prize for the children event (under 16) will be $75 for first, $50 for sec- ond and $25 for third. To compete in the derbv anglers must register on or before opening day (Feb. 16) at JD Fishing and Archery on Water Street in Port Perry. Reg- istration is $10 for adults and $5 for children. All entries for the con- test will consist of a photo of the fish along with the completed form. Prizes for the event will be awarded at JD Fishing and Archery on Saturday, March 2. The Ice Fishing Derby is being sponsored by AAB Building Systems, IGA, Lakeview Beer Brew, Scu- 34 Water St., Port Perry, Ontario L9L1]2 985-8471 our best rate Subject to change without notice gog Island Marina, Assel- stine Country, JD Fishing and Archery, Manchester Collision Service, Tech- Star Plastics, Dollar Plus, J&R Fish Huts, Philp Pon- tiac, Trader Sams, Herder Sales, Joe's Pizzeria, Scott Property Services and Williamsons. 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