MURILLO - The Murillo Fair is everything country, from ribbon-winning vegetables, to horse racing and rodeos, and it continues to draw big crowds.
This past weekend, the Murillo fair celebrated its 125th anniversary and Oliver Agricultural Society Treasurer, Sylvia Goodheart, said the fair has become a tradition for many generations.
Goodheart explained that the fair began in the late 19th century as a way for farmers and neighbours to compete with one another, whether it was crops or animals. That spirit of community competition continues to this day with the fair hosting a rodeo, barrel races, and ribbons for the best crops.
“It’s more about crops than about animals because our fair falls right in the middle of haying season, so it is hard for a lot of farmers to get out to exhibit because they don’t have a lot of time,” Goodheart said. “Their time is precious right now.”
The horse racing and rodeo are a popular attractions every year and Goodheart said that the competition attracts riders from across the region and even Manitoba.
“People come to Murillo just for the horse racing because we are the only ones that have it,” she said.
Sixteen-year-old, Jessica Walker and her family have been travelling to the Murillo Fair for the past six years to participate in the rodeo and horse races.
“I like the competition of it and how intense it can be,” she said. “You always want to get first so you are always pushing yourself to be better than you were yesterday.”
Walker said that she has been riding horses for as long as she can remember and she always loves coming to the fair to run her horses and compete in the events. Her life-long time spent around horses has certainly paid off, as Walker placed first in the goat tying competition on Sunday.
But she has a slight edge when it comes to getting ready for the rodeo.
“I’m also very competitive in hockey,” she said. “Rodeo is a good summer hobby. The skills do transfer though. They both take a lot of leg muscles and good balance.”
There is more to the Murillo Fair than horses and rodeos. The fair includes music, food, sewing and carving demonstrations, exhibits, and last year saw the introduction of carnival rides, which are always a hit with the kids.
Eight-year-old Kaylee Gaudette and her six-year-old sister, Breanna, spent the weekend with their family at the Murillo Fair, winning ribbons, seeing the animals, and going on rides.
“I like going on all the rides,” Breanna said.
For Kaylee, the best part was seeing all the animals, especially the bunnies.
For Kendra Everett and Tia Naswell, both 12-years-old, the addition of rides to the fair has been great.
“I really like the sting ray,” Everette said. And while she doesn’t necessarily care for the rodeo, she might have to tag along with her friend, Tia.
“I haven’t gone to the rodeo yet, but I love horses,” Naswell said.
