Fall fair celebrates 50 years of tractor pulls

Roger Varley, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Although final attendance figures won't be know for a few days, it is possible the Uxbridge Fall Fair set an attendance record this year.

If so, that would likely be because of the extra night the fair was open. To celebrate its 50th year of hosting tractor pulls, the fair opened on Thursday evening to allow for an additional night of pulls. Fair staff said about 90 tractor pullers showed up for Thursday night's competition and large crowds were on hand.

The usual large crowd was also on hand for Saturday night's traditional demolition derby, one of the fair's most popular events.

The fair was fortunate to have fine weather throughout the weekend and rain held off until late Sunday evening.

Several casual things caught the eye: several vendors were selling caps with the slogan "Lake Ontario" or "Canada Not For Sale." Oversized toys such as inflatable hammers, pencils and huge spiked rubber helmets were a hit with the youngsters, as was the kids' obstacle course run by the Uxbridge Fire Department. For bird lovers, there was a raptors show on Sunday afternoon.

Police and bylaw officers were on hand during the weekend but reported no incidents or problems.

The Uxbridge Tractor Pull celebrates 50 years of being one of the Uxbridge Fall Fair’s most popular attractions. Here, a ‘pull’ from Friday evening. Photo by John Cavers