By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
After a year off to regroup, the Chatham Kinsmen Fair is back.
Slated to run May 30 to June 2, the 2024 event will offer a midway, carnival games and food, and even a Tiger Paw exotic animals show.
According to Bob Christie, a past club president who serves as webmaster for the Kinsmen Club of Chatham, things are lining up for this year’s fair.
“We’re glad to be back and we’re glad to be able to do it,” Christie told The Chatham Voice, noting scheduling issues that saw last year’s event cancelled have been resolved. “We’re good to go.”
The fair has been a popular family-friendly event for many years, with the Chatham Kinsmen taking over the reins from the Chatham Jaycees 15 years ago.
Any money raised is poured right back into the community.
Along with the exotics, another popular “animal” will be onsite, with Elmer the Safety Elephant making an appearance. To go with that the club is offering an “Elmer” colouring contest featuring three $25 prizes. The contest entry can be found on the Chatham Kinsmen website or at the actual event.
To be held once again on the grounds at the Chatham Memorial Arena, the fair kicks off Thurs., May 30 at 4 p.m., running to 11 p.m. Hours on the following days are May 31, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.; June 1, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and June 2, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
A crafter and vendor show will be held June 1, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and again on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tables will be set up both inside and outside.
Fair goers can save $5 on an all-day ride wristband by contacting worldsfinestshows.com until May 29.
Memorial Arena, location of the fair, is located at 80 Tweedsmuir Ave. in Chatham.
