Vankleek Hill Fair: A Yearly Tradition of Fun for All

Experience the excitement of the Vankleek Hill Fair, an annual event that promises fun for everyone. This year’s fair will not disappoint. The fair officially kicked off on Thursday with a lively parade featuring horses, antique cars, and decorated farm trucks, setting the stage for a weekend of entertainment.

One of the standout features of the parade was the presence of the Jordan Leigh Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness about mental health and addiction. The foundation showcased a derby car that attendees could win by purchasing a raffle ticket, with all proceeds going towards their important cause.

Anyone wishing to attend can purchase affordable tickets that grant access to all the thrilling rides, which are a hit with adults and children alike. From classic carousel rides to adrenaline-pumping roller coasters, there is no shortage of fun!

The tempting smells of local food fill the air as you wander through the open space, which will make it hard for you to choose where to eat, but the affordability makes it easy to select a bit of each place to share and taste. Pizza Anjou offers mouthwatering pizza slices that will bring you coming back for more. I am always on the lookout for a good pizza, and the dough, the sauce and the fresh toppings make this pizza place one of my favourites. At the same time, Moonshine Smoke House delights taste buds with its big-tasting sandwiches and fried pickles. And remember the deep-fried Oreos you can find while walking through the fair!

In addition to the delicious food and exhilarating rides, the fair also featured an exhibition showcasing prize-winning products, house plants, decorated cowboy boots, and children’s hand-painted art. Attendees could also browse through local businesses selling handmade soaps, aprons, and barbecue sauces or partake in fun activities like face painting or getting a henna tattoo.

As the sun sets, the fair becomes a festive activity hub. The outdoor bar, open to adults in the evening, offers a place to relax with a drink and enjoy live music. The sounds of monster trucks roaring and cattle mooing mix with the chatter of enthusiastic fairgoers, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.

For those looking for a memorable and educational experience, there was even a cattle exhibition on Thursday showcasing these majestic animals’ beauty and diversity. It was a great opportunity for adults and children to learn more about these creatures and appreciate their important role in our agriculture industry.

 

 

Take advantage of the remaining days of the Vankleek Hill Fair until Sunday, August 18th. Check the fair’s website for the entire event schedule and join in on the festivities. With delicious food, thrilling rides, a petting zoo, dirt bikes and various entertainment options, the fair promises an unforgettable experience for all who attend.

https://vankleekhillfair.ca/

Link to Enter The Jordan Leigh Foundation raffle:

https://go.rallyup.com/jordanleighfoundationderby/Campaign/Details

The Growth of Parachute Farm: Embracing Organic Farming and Community connections

 

Welcome to the world of Parachute Farm, where the seeds of a sustainable dream are nurtured with passion and dedication. In the landscapes of Vankleek Hill, Maggie Winchester and her husband, Mattson Griffiths, have embarked on a journey of growth and transformation, embracing the world of organic farming and the vibrant community spirit that defines their mission.

Armed with a background in Environmental Studies, a deep-rooted passion for farming, and more than fifteen years of experience in agriculture, Maggie, along with her partner Mattson (who has a degree in Farm management and technology), established Parachute Farm with a vision to cultivate the land ethically and produce high-quality vegetables. The couple shares fifteen years of experience, which helped them prepare to strat their own operation.

 

Organic farming is more than a method of cultivation; it is a philosophy that honours nature’s delicate balance. Organic growers like Maggie and Mattson at Parachute Farm nurture the land, protect the environment, and provide consumers with wholesome, nutrient-rich produce by prioritizing soil health, biodiversity, and sustainability.

The benefits of organic farming extend far beyond the dinner table. By supporting organic agriculture, consumers contribute to cleaner air, water, and soil by reducing their exposure to harmful toxins and promoting animal welfare. Organic farming also plays a crucial role in combating climate change by sequestering carbon in the soil and promoting agroecological practices.

In addition to the environmental benefits, buying local produce from farms like Parachute Farm has numerous advantages for consumers and communities. Locally sourced food is fresher, tastier, and more nutritious, as it is harvested at peak ripeness and travels shorter distances to reach your plate. 

Individuals invest in the local economy by supporting local farmers, creating jobs, preserving agricultural heritage, and building stronger connections.

Parachute Farm is a non-certified organic farm, but its commitment to organic principles and local sourcing is imprinted in every operation. From cultivating a diverse array of vegetables using sustainable practices to forging partnerships with neighbouring businesses and farmers, Maggie and Mattson are dedicated to providing their customers with an enriching farm-to-table experience.

 

If you’re enthusiastic about experiencing the delights of Parachute Farm’s offerings, you can find Maggie, Mattson, and their collection of products at the Vankleek Hill farmers market in June. Soon, you will also be able to find them at The Marsh’s flea market in Saint Eugene (biweekly, starting in June).

For those who prefer the comfort of online communication, reaching out to them via email is a simple way to stay updated on their latest offerings.

Contact Information and interesting websites:

Email: Parachute Farm: [email protected]

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094583452173&mibextid=LQQJ4d

Instagram: @parachute_farm

 

Marsh’s Flea Market (1081 Labrosse Street – Saint Eugene, starting 25th May)

Vankleek Hill Farmers Market:

https://vankleekhillfarmersmarket.ca/vendor/parachute-farm