FOCUS - AUGUST 2018 19 the Fair, having served on its Board for over 25 years. She applauds the continuing changes, and recalls one which she helped to develop some years ago. “When my five kids were small, it seemed they needed money to do everything they wanted to do at the Fair,” Whitney remembers. “We added the Family Rodeo, with all kinds of free events for the kids. It’s been very popu- lar, both with the young and the old. Seems to me the adults laugh the whole time it’s going on! “There are some classic events, like an egg toss, and some unusual ones, like the Frying Pan toss. They all draw a crowd, even after all these years.” She’s also enthusiastic about a relatively new event which may be destined to enjoy similar longevity, the Tough Udder Obstacle Course. “The obstacles are farm-related, like climbing over hay bales or through a culvert. Participants come in teams of four, or as singles…best time through the course wins. And believe me, it’s not as easy as it looks!” The Fairgrounds will have a changed look as well this year. A recent wind storm damaged its oldest building, 1856’s “Mechanics Institute.” Though the building will need to be demolished for safety, its contribution to Port Perry’s history won’t be entirely lost, according to Marina Brock, Chair of the Heritage and Museum Advisory Committee. “We plan to salvage what we can from the structure,” she says, “Then we’ll find another place to use the pieces to keep its spirit alive.” But for all its change, a key element hasn’t changed in 165 years. Without the Scugog community, there’d be no fair. There are a couple of important sides to that equation: the generous donations of local businesses, and of course, the people of Scugog who come in droves to join in the fun. This year, we’re projecting 12,000 visitors. Each person passing through the Fairground’s gates might come for different reasons, but all will leave with a similar outcome: treasured memories of entertaining attractions and events, a chance to celebrate Scugog’s rich agricultural heritage, and the unique opportunity to join in a time-tested and much-loved local tradition. By Scott Mercer, Focus on Scugog An aerial view of the fair in September 1976. Celebrate Agriculture Celebrate Agriculture PARTNER 2018 10 Vanedward Drive, Port Perry 905-985-8474 www.gusbrownportperry.com GUS BROWN buick gmc PROUD SPONSORS OF