Published in The BANAR, September 2005
by Rose Moore on behalf of the Blackburn Fun fair Board of Directors
Three more sleeps, two more, and finally the great weekend arrives! On June 10 and 11, the community celebrated the 35th anniversary of the Blackburn Fun fair.
To kick-off the festivities, new events were held on Friday night. The teens were treated to a “Battle of the Bands” on the demo stage outside the Blackburn Arena. As the music rocked on, younger children and their families enjoyed the antics of the Johnnie and the JunkYard Symphony and a performance by Dance Dynamics followed by an evening of music and dance for the adults inside the arena.
Saturday was off to a very hot start with our annual Pancake Breakfast and a bustle of activity as equipment was set up in the arena and midway tents popped up on the soccer field. The arrival of the ponies and the various animals for the Petting Zoo, and the ever-popular and energetic Spartacat were certainly a promise of more fun to come.
Bearbrook Road was quickly lined with spectators who eagerly awaited the start of the Opening Parade. Children sat up in their strollers while grandparents settled in their portable garden chairs and the teens clustered on the sidewalks and shady patches of grass.
We were proud to host Max Keeping as our Parade Marshall. The Fun fair Board of Directors surprised Max by showering him with many colorful stuffed animals, all destined for CHEO. Another important guest this year was our very own mascot—MAXX—who was introduced by Max Keeping and welcomed to our community by friends and local mascots.
Despite the crushing heat and humidity, our traditional activities, such as the Bake Sale and BBQ, were popular while attendance at the children’s races and some midway games was a bit slower than usual. The Blackburn Arena was host to over fifty vendors and information booths in the Showcase including our Annual Silent Auction, the children’s story area and a fingerprinting demonstration. As live music and entertainment echoed throughout the park, the coolest place to be was in the Dunk Bozo tank, while others sought shade by taking a ride on the mini-train through the City’s garden area. Unfortunately we had to cancel our annual Pet Parade under the recommendation of a local veterinarian.
New activities included the First Annual Used Bike Sale, three new midway games, including Cub Cars, a new setup for the Dunk Bozo tank and a hair and nail decorating centre. Vegetarian food was available at the food concessions and pizza was popular on the Friday and Saturday evenings. The Youth Vibe dance included a surprise visit by Laser Quest for fun games of laser-tag.
The success of the Fun fair relies on the huge effort of its many sponsors and volunteer groups. Not-for-profit community or school groups who dedicate their time at the Fair are recognized by receiving an honorarium. By sponsoring this year’s Fun fair, you have directly supported the following groups: 1st Blackburn Scouts (including Beavers and Cubs), Blackburn Girl Guides (including Sparks, Brownies and Pathfinders), 4ieme Guides de St-Claude, Bethany United Church, Blackburn Minor Hockey Association, Blackburn Tae Kwan Do, Blackburn Seniors, Children’s Universe Daycare, Children’s Welcome Centre, le Club Optimiste de Blackburn, le Club Optimiste de Vanier, Colonel By High School, École Secondaire Louis Riel, Friends of the Blackburn Association, Knights of Columbus, Mosaic Guide Team 2006, Norman Johnson School, St. Mary the Virgin Church, and St. Matthew Catholic High School.
As the evening barely cooled off, Blackburn residents took up another long-standing tradition. They gathered in the licensed area of the parking lot with friends, to sing and dance and listen to their favourite tunes while celebrating another great year at the Fun fair.
Thanks to all our dedicated sponsors, supporters and to the 250+ volunteers and students, all of whom helped to make the 35th Blackburn Fun fair a success.
Mark your calendars! We hope you will join us again next year—Friday, June 2 and 3, 2006 for another great Fun fair.