Page 2 Brooklin Spring Fair 2017 Neil Guthrie: The Man Who Keeps The Fair True To Its Origins by Bradley McIlwain It's June sometime in the mid 1960s. Neil Guthrie is leading his cousin's Guernsey cattle in the Brooklin Spring Fair open dairy show. "I felt pretty good leading the calf around. Some years they were calm, but some of the calves were stubborn and would dig their heels in," laughs Guthrie, remembering the incident fondly. Cattle were tied to a cedar rail fence where Michael Kelly's restaurant is today. "I usually got a first year calf," he says. "I can remember a one year heifer that was eight inches taller than me." Before there were tractor pulls and the demolition derby, there were horse races, and "between beef and dairy herds, there was a lot of cattle here." From Monday morning Passionate about agriculture and volunteering at the Fair, this is Guthrie's 17th year as Grounds Chair Supervisor. There's a lot of effort that goes into organizing and setting up the Fair. "We start at 8 a.m. Monday morning and usually go to 6:00 or 7:00 p.m.," he says, but some nights, it's even later. "The fair is ready to open Thursday afternoon." There are 50-plus students and volunteers at any one time working at installing the snow fences around the grounds. The fence gates are multipurpose. "We make our cattle ring and horse corrals out of them." It's a team effort. Just as kids and adults eagerly anticipate the Fair's start, such as seeing the Ferris wheel rise like magic, Guthrie is always amazed how they can put it all together in just three days. "It's a great feeling to see everything come together. Monday morning, you walk in and there's nothing. By Thursday morning, they're opening the gates to let the public in." Pride in agriculture One of the Brooklin Spring Fair's unique features is how it has remained true to its agricultural roots since its humble beginnings at Grass Park in 1911. "We pride ourselves on our agricultural tent," he says. "We try to keep that agricultural atmosphere and be adaptable to change." Brooklin's is one of the first agricultural fairs of the season, with cattle, sheep, and poultry shows, along with farrier (someone who trims and shoes horses' hooves) and equestrian competitions. This year, the Fair is also hosting a national goat show as well as a sanctioned miniature horse show, a qualifier for the provincial championships. A fifth generation farmer, Guthrie's family has farmed in the Whitby area since 1843. He still lives on 100 acres, which was bought by his great grandfather in 1875. "It (farming) showed me responsibility early in life. With livestock, you have a constant schedule, looking after the animal a.m. to p.m." Between 2004-2008, he served as district director for the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies. Food origins One of the most important reasons for having farming continue to be a big part of the Brooklin Spring Fair, he adds "is to show the younger generation that food is actually produced, and it doesn't just appear on supermarket shelves." On Friday morning, June 2, the Fair has an Agricultural Day for Grade 3s. About 300-44 students from across Durham Region show up. "Several stations are set up with presenters. They rotate, and the presenter speaks on that aspect of agriculture," he says. The theme for the 106th Brooklin Spring Fair is Made in Canada, as Canada is celebrating it's 150th birthday. "The parallels are a lot alike," Guthrie says. "The Fair has grown as Canada has grown, and shows how the Fair, like the country, evolved over the decades." What to do with kids at the fair by Leanne Brown The fair is coming and most Brooklin kids are looking forward to the midway and parade. But there is a lot more for kids to do than just the rides and floats. Kids can even enter some contests and win great prizes. For kids who like the Cars movies, check out the Car & Truck Show. Lots of vintage and sports cars & trucks on Sunday, June 4, 9 am - 4 pm in the arena parking lot. The Demolition Derby is on Thurs., June 1, at 7:30 pm and Saturday, June 3 at 7:00 pm. This event allows kids to get up close as cars and trucks get demolished! And for the first time ever, Brooklin is having a kids Power Wheels Derby before each Demolition show. Do you like horses? Then there's HORSEPOWER Live on Sunday, June 4, on the track. Three horse shows will educate and entertain your family about the power and magnificence of a horse. Show Times are 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm with "meet and greet" with the horses and performers after each show. Lots of animals Where's the beef? The Junior beef show and junior sheep shows are open to boys and girls under 15 years of age who want to enter their calf or lamb. There are also shows for 4-H members. And for kids who are a little "chicken" around large animals, there's the Poultry & Waterfowl show where kids can learn about the difference types of birds. Those who really like the cute animals will love the rabbit show. If your family pet has some hidden talents, check out the pet show. Watch as local four-legged friends compete in contests like Best dressed, Biggest Smile, Coolest Trick, Best Hula-Hoop Jump or race the obstacle course. For some messy fun, watch the Pie Eating Contest on Saturday at 3 pm in the arena. What kid doesn't like to play with their food? It's even more fun to watch your parents do it. Why not enter Mom or Dad in the fun? And crafts If your little ones are crafty, come join in for some kid friendly activities in the Welcome Home Build- ing's (Arena) Creative Corner where kids can make and take their creations with them. For the serious kid crafters, there is the Home- craft competition. Kids compete in various categories from colouring, baking, planting and even LEGO building. Star Wars fans should tour the universe with the Ontario Planetarium Travelling Dome on Saturday and Sunday. Ontario's mobile space and science education dome will be set up on the arena floor. It will be out of this world!! Do your kids like to try new things? The Nail Driving & Log Saw Competition is open to kids and adults! Prizes can be won and this is bound to be a bit hit with those children who love to get their hands on Dad's tools. It's Sunday at 1 pm on the ball diamond. But you need to register through the fair website at: brooklinspringfair.com And "food" When the kids get hungry, there are lots of treats to sample. Ice cream, BBQ, and my personal favourite… cotton candy. And finally, for the youngest members of the family or just those who love to look at cherub faces, consider the baby contest on Sunday, June 4, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm in the arena. Categories include: Fun in the Sun, Littlest Sport, Made in Canada and Little Prince and Princess. Register via the website: brooklinspringfair.com See you at the fair!