Turn back time at the Anderson Farm fall fair

Want your kids to experience some down-at-the-farm fun? The Anderson Farm Museum Heritage Society's ninth annual fall fair, which takes place at 14-acre historic farm in Lively Sept. 12, offers plenty of just that.

For the first time, the event's organizers have been able to book Northern Maple, a full-sized replica of a cow.

“The kids can actually milk her,” said Gwen Doyle, one of the event's organizers. “If they don't do it correctly, the milk doesn't come out.”

Northern Maple is very popular during fall fair season, so it's a treat to have her at the fair, she said.

Another first-time exhibitor is 4H Ontario, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. 4H Massey is also making the trip to Lively, and members will be giving square-dancing demonstrations.

Always popular are the giant pumpkins grown by Sudburian Stephen Smith. He said he has one that already weighs 500 pounds. At one point, the giant gourd gained 31 pounds in just one day.

There's also horse-drawn wagon and pony rides and a small farm animals display by Northern Ontario Agri-Food Education and Marketing.

“It's a chance to turn back time,” said Doyle. “The grandparents certainly enjoy that, and can share stories. The kids are learning.”
Of course, the fall fair isn't just about agriculture.

There's free children's activities such as inflatables and a fish pond, a full lineup of live music, a pumpkin pie-eating contest, a classic car show, a farmer's market and more than 120 vendors and community groups.

Since its creation, the event has grown from an attendance of about 300 people to about 7,000 people in recent years.

“The reason our fall fair is so popular is it's a free family event,” Doyle said. “It's a chance for everybody to get out and have fun.”

The fair runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please note there's no public parking at the farm. People are asked to park at the TM Davies Arena and take one of the shuttle buses provided by Leuschen Transportation.

For more information, pick up the fair's program at any Greater Sudbury Public Library branch, visit the Anderson Farm Museum Heritage Society's Facebook page or phone 705-692-3021.