Monday, November 4, 2024

Sherbrooke Village to host old-time country fair

Activities include traditional booth games, crafts and pie-making contest

  • August 28 2024
  • By Joanne Jordan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter    

SHERBROOKE — The annual Sherbrooke Village Harvest Celebration, which is set for Aug. 31 and Sept. 1, will feature a new twist.

This year’s celebration will be country fair style, complete with authentic game booths, demonstrations and crafts. There will also be music and food.

“Traditionally, harvest weekends are times to celebrate the harvesting of crops, preparations for winter and to give thanks for plentiful crops,” Michelle Clarabut, Sherbrooke Village director of interpretation explained to The Journal. Noting that the Village normally uses harvest weekend to focus on the harvest – garden vegetables, pickling and baked goods – “But, this year, we wanted to get a bit more creative.”

She added, “Country fairs have a long history of bringing entertainment to communities and breaks from busy lives; so, while it’s a little early for the crops, it’s never too early to spend time with family and friends.”

During the weekend, visitors can participate in the booth games for a nickel and collect tickets to redeem for prizes. They can also join one of the demonstrations – like pickling, bear greasing or garden tours – or join in for fun crafts at the Village’s school house.

Village Tea Room picnic baskets will be available, starting at $40 for two people, and $10 for each additional person.

On Saturday, the Historic Sherbrooke Village Development Society will host a pie-making contest at the exhibit centre. The event will feature three categories: youth (17 and under), adult (18 and up) and professional for a chance to win the inaugural Sherbrooke Plate. The contest registration deadline is Thursday, Aug. 29, at the Village’s administration office.

Pie samples will be available to visitors, for a suggested donation, in order to determine the people’s choice award.

“The country fair-style event will mark a great end to the summer season. And, hopefully, [it] encourages the community to come out and enjoy the long weekend with the family,” Clarabut said.