Tradition lives on

The cows being chased around the rodeo ring might have been a little miffed on Sunday, but everyone else seemed to be having a grand old time at the 122nd annual Murillo Fall Fair.

Sixteen-year-old Evan Romu said tradition is what brought him out – that and sunny weather that made sitting indoors seem a little wasteful given what summer has had to offer so far this year.

“It’s been going on for so long, so it’s good to go out and support the community and everything,” the Murillo teen said.
“I’ve done it quite a bit, almost every year if I can.”

There’s plenty to like about the fair, which unlike other similar events around Ontario, does not have a midway, but instead relies on people’s love of all things agriculture and farming to draw in the crowds.

“I like seeing all the local guys come out and do the rodeo. It’s really exciting to watch, because you know the people.”

Scotlynn Haw is a recent transfer to Murillo, but wholeheartedly agreed the fair was a fun way for a teenager to spend the afternoon.
“I come almost every year. It’s just fun to see everybody coming out and having a good time. I actually like watching the chariot races because you see everyone having fun and it’s kind of crazy to watch. It makes good entertainment.”

Does the youngster want to give it a try herself one day? Probably not, she said.

“Uh, no,” she said.

This year’s event was as popular as ever, said secretary-treasurer Syliva Goodheart.

“Our numbers are up this year. We’ve brought in really good entertainment. We have five good bands each day. We have a tractor rodeo, we have our regular horse radio and we’ve brought in twice as many vendors as we usually have,” Goodheart said.

“Our exhibit in our town hall is way, way up over what it usually is. We’re very, very happy.”

It’s all about people and bringing them together as one, she added.

“It gives them a chance to come out. It’s nice to visit your neighbour, without having to go out and have coffee,” Goodheart said.

“You just come and your neighbour is next door with you looking at the exhibits and you talk to them and compete against them. That’s the best thing, competing against your neighbour for best vegetable and stuff.”

The two-day event wraps up on Sunday.