It’s all about family.
That’s the Kinsmen Fair in a nutshell, according to Charlie Quenneville, treasurer with the Chatham Kinsmen Club.
This will mark the 20th year the Kinsmen have run the fair. They took over operations from the Jaycees in the early 2000s and haven’t looked back.
“They approached us to see if we wanted to take it over,” Quenneville said. “We’ve put a lot of hours into it over the years.”
And what they’ve gotten out of it is countless smiles on the faces of children, and parents.
“I think the appeal is that it is family oriented. People get to enjoy the different types of amusements available, and the food,” she said. “There’s something for the kids to do. Spring is in the air, and it’s a nice family event.”
The fair runs from May 29-June 1 on the grounds outside Memorial Arena.
The fair includes the midway, run by World’s Finest Shows. All-day ride passes are available online at worldsfinestshows.com. Save $7 if you purchase in advance.
Tickets can also be acquired at Giant Tiger or the Game Master’s Emporium .
While hopping on the rides costs money, getting into the fair is free. Quenneville said organizers made it that way about seven years ago.
However, May 29 and 30 are community days, where the Kinsmen encourage people to bring donations in support of the local food banks. Quenneville said the Kinsmen will match all donations.
That’s not the only way the Kinsmen give back. Quenneville said it all goes back into Chatham-Kent.
“Any proceeds we make, we give back. We sponsor baseball, other sporting events and the air cadets,” he said.
Right through the fair, there will be artisans, crafters and vendors showcasing their items and abilities. In fact, if you are a local artisan or vendor, there is still time to take part. Contact the Kinsmen before May 26. Reach out via chathamkinsmen.ca.
On May 31, the Birds of Prey will have hawks, falcons, owls and an eagle who will be flying around shows take place at 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.
On June 1, TJ Stables will set up a petting zoo on site.
There is a colouring contest for Elmer the Safety Elephant online to print as well as paper copies available at the fair.
As well, children and teenagers will have a chance to enter a draw for a gift card worth $250 towards a new bike sponsored by Canadian Tire.
Quenneville said it’s up to Mother Nature to help put a smile on everyone’s faces, as sunshine brightens up everyone’s days.
