Published in The BANAR September 1994
WE DID IT !!
Thanks to the supurb efforts and cooperation of a wonderful team of dedicated volunteers, we did have a FUN FAIR this year. It was a great experience to lead this team which ensured that a 23 year old tradition continued in Blackburn Hamlet, providing an opportunity for “Family Fun” for all. In the seven weeks available to the Committee, we managed to retain most of the ‘popular features of the Fair, and even add several new events.
Activities for the Pre-teen age group and an expanded snack bar were added Friday evening. The parade was embellished with the musical colour of Blair Buchanen’s bagpipes and the Gloucester Community Band. The Karaoke group sponsored by Wally’s Roadhouse returned for the enjoyment of all.
New features on Saturday included a Bicycle Rodeo (sponsored by the Club Optimiste, Canadian Tire, and the Gloucester Police) , a Soccer Target Shoot. The Petting Farm was sponsored this year by the new owners of Petro Canada – J & S Service Station . The Fun Jog and the Volksmarch returned; and a Silent Auction was held at the Supper Dance.
The Fun Fair extended to Sunday for the first time, with a successful biligual Interdenominational Prayer Service featuring musicians from St Mary the Virgin and Good Shepherd parishes, as well as the choir from St Claude. A BBQ followed the service.
Among the events that were likely missed by many were the Colouring Contest (we were not able to find a sponsor); the Bell Canada aerial bucket ride (budgetary cuts prevented their participation); bed races (insufficient participation); and the Softball Tournament Finals (the participants in the Softball Tournament wanted to enjoy Fun Fair with their families, so the Finals took place the weekend before the Fair.)
My sincere thanks go to all who contributed to the success of FUN FAIR 1994: the members of the FUN FAIR Committee ( and their families … !!), the many individuals and groups who participated. You all know who you are, so I do not have to mention everyone here – Thank you one and all ! The enthusiasm, commitment, and extent of cooperation of the Boys Big League Baseball organization does deserve special mention for their efforts this year.
A very special thank you goes to all our sponsors – over 150 of them ! Without them we would not have a FUN FAIR or be able to operate most of our community activities and sports teams – so I encourage you to take note of the businesses on our sponsorship list and support them. In particular , the major contributors include : LOEB Blackburn Hamlet, Francon Lafarge, Bank of Montreal, Toronto Dominion Bank, Your Independent Grocer-Pierre Groulx, Prime Marketing Group, Voyageur-Colonial, Victoria Parks Suites, A-Plus Software.
Brett Maxwell Coordinator, FUN FAIR 1994
