The Russell Fair returned to celebrate the summer, and although the weather didn’t always cooperate, residents and visitors were wowed all the same.
The Russell Fairgrounds were alive with crowds and light as the Russell Fair brought everyone together from August 17 to 20. The gates opened at 5 p.m. on August 17, although that first day only had the midway open and the truck pull to watch. Still, it was a fantastic start to the weekend.
Everything was in full swing by the next day. The day opened with horse shows and wagon rides, petting zoos and exhibition popups, and a host of other fun activities to entertain and amaze. There were puppet shows, sheep shearing, magic acts, and to close out the day, a live music show from a variety of performers, including DJ Biko, the County lads, Erica Brighthill, the Rivertown Saints, and Dallas Smith.
Saturday was much the same, with a few added attractions to liven things up. The Antique Exhibition showed off vehicles and farming equipment from a bygone era, all still in working order. There was a 4H cattle show where the farmers of tomorrow could show off their budding talents with younger cattle, and a tractor pull to show off the farming equipment of today. The Spring Action Trampoline Show wowed audiences with its three-person family trampoline act, headlined by a former Olympic trampolinist and a future Olympic skier. The day closed out with another live music show, but before that, the Demolition Derby smashed and crashed its way to a cheering crowd.
Sunday, the Knights of Columbus hosted their customary pancake breakfast to close out the festivities and thank the community for its support. The Russell Children’s Ballet School, the Kemptville Men’s Choir, and the Gallaghers entertained as kids and adults alike chowed down on some delicious pancakes and fried ham. The rest of the festivities continued as normal until 4 p.m., when Leatherworks put on a closing dinner in the entertainment tent, and a final live music show closed out the Fair on the baseball diamond.
