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

Experience the Magic of VKH Porchfest: A Celebration of Music, Community, and Summer Vibes on Saturday, July 13

 

Come enjoy the enchantment of live music in a unique setting at Vankleek Hill Porchfest. This annual festival promises a day filled with captivating melodies, talented musicians, and a welcoming ambiance that celebrates the spirit of music.

Immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of a music festival is an experience like no other. The sights and sounds of talented musicians performing live create an electrifying energy that can uplift your spirits and leave you with lasting memories. And when that festival takes place in Vankleek Hill, surrounded by picturesque porches and a close-knit community, the experience becomes even more magical.

 

Vankleek Hill Porchfest, scheduled for Saturday, July 13, offers a special opportunity to enjoy live music in a relaxed setting. The event, organized by the Vankleek Hill Live Music Co-Op, showcases local talent while providing a platform for artists to share their music with a supportive audience. By attending Porchfest, you not only get to discover new musicians and genres, but you also play a part in supporting the thriving music scene in Vankleek Hill.

 

Supporting local musicians has numerous perks:

  1. It helps nurture and grow your local music scene, creating a vibrant and diverse cultural environment.
  2. Supporting local musicians often means creating a more personal and memorable connection with the artists. It also provides financial support directly to the artists, allowing them to continue pursuing their passion and creating more music for everyone to enjoy.
  3. Supporting local musicians can help build a sense of partnership and pride in your local music scene, fostering a supportive network for emerging artists.

One of the bands that will be performing is The Vankleek Hill Fiddlers. The group, formed by a passionate collective of amateur musicians and skilled professionals, has captivated audiences for over 45 years. Their fiddler music carries an enchanting quality that will transport you to a different time and place. As you make your way to the Creating Centre during Porch Fest, be prepared to dance to their captivating tunes.

Another thing to mention is that spending time outdoors at Porchfest is the chance to bask in the warm summer weather while enjoying fantastic music. The open-air setting creates a laid-back atmosphere, perfect for kicking back and soaking in the sounds that fill the air. Whether you’re a fan of singer-songwriters, Celtic tunes, folk melodies, rock anthems, or country ballads, there’s something for everyone at Porchfest.

 

 

This event allows neighbours to unite, enjoy music, and honour the talent of performing musicians by walking from one porch to another, listening to various bands, and engaging with fellow music lovers.

So, if you’re looking for a memorable and enriching experience that combines great music and the beauty of the outdoors, mark your calendar for Vankleek Hill Porchfest. Join in the festivities, discover new bands, and participate in something truly special.

 

 

Check out the lineup:

 

12:00 PM: 50 Proof (Arbor Gallery Stage)

12:15 PM: Marie-Eve Vezina (50 Derby Street Stage)

12:30 PM: Ken Duff (29 Hamil Street Stage)

12:45 PM: Brain Dead Geniuses (31 Derby Street)

1:00 PM: Thomas Dion (80 Main St Stage)

1:15 PM: Knocking Sparks (95 Higginson Street Stage)

1:30 PM: VKH Fiddlers (Vankleek Hill Creating Centre – TBC)

1:45 PM: Rhett James (Windsor Tavern Stage)

2:00 PM: A Boy Named Stew (48 Wall Street Stage)

2:15 PM: Jeff Holtby (102 Higginson Street Stage)

2:30 PM: Mike Simpkin (43 Derby Street Stage)

2:45 PM: Marven James (27 High St Stage)

3:00 PM: Libby and Cal (54 Main Street – TBC)

3:15 PM: Jema Jane (22 Stanley – TBC)

3:30 PM: Celtic Flare (95 Higginson Street Stage)

3:45 PM: Balance (Windsor Tavern Stage)

4:00 PM: JR and the Gator (27 High St Stage)

4:15 PM: Norm Campeau (31 Derby Street Stage)

4:30 PM: The Acoustic Collective (Main Stage)

5:00 PM: Peter Scott & Natasha Caron (29 Hamil Street Stage)

5:15 PM: Catherine Larocque (115 High St Stage)

5:30 PM: Victor Courte (95 Higginson Street Stage)

5:45 PM: Jam Night (Windsor Tavern Stage)

Follow the Facebook page for more info:
https://www.facebook.com/vkhporchfest