Run, walk or wheel, it didn’t matter because everyone was welcome to participate in the Dairydash. Tinkess Photo

WINCHESTER – There was a time when, if you asked someone who didn’t live in Winchester what the name meant to them, they would frequently say Dairyfest of course, that is what Winchester is known for.

Many, many years have passed, and Winchester, like many communities has grown and several other activities have stolen a bit of the limelight, but that doesn’t mean Dairyfest is any less relevant. In an agricultural community, dairy still reigns supreme, but it must evolve to fit into the crowded space that describes every summer weekend in eastern Ontario. There are always multiple things going on, and families try to divide their time to enjoy as many of them as possible. With that in mind, Dairyfest was a one-day event this year, and the many people who took the time to enjoy it were pleasantly surprised with what they found.

With warm weather and slightly hazy skies and no threat of rain, organizers and vendors began setting up early on Saturday, and by the scheduled 7:00 a.m. start time not only was the Firefighters’ breakfast well underway, but a line had also already formed to purchase blocks of cheese made from locally sourced milk. The line grew and shrank throughout the day, but never really seemed to go away. We do love our cheese!

The breakfast was also a great way to start the day, offering pancakes, sausages, beans and a beverage of your choice with the price being pay what you want, a pleasant surprise in an era where prices are high and tips always seem to be mandatory. Add into that the pleasant banter from the folks who regularly put themselves in danger to protect us and you have a genuine bargain.

While this was going on, there was activity both inside and outside, with members of the Highway 43 car club streaming in with their magnificently restored vehicles, while inside the arena, activities for the kids were being set up, including the very popular Mario Carts radio-controlled racers, LEGO car races, and Wild Rooster Face Painting.

There were also bouncy castles, Dreaming Hearts Arts Studio Painting, a puppet show, and for the youngest, the Mini Maestros Music Session (ages 0-3 years).

For those who wanted to stay active, you could participate in the Dairy Dash, which wisely got underway just after 8:00 a.m. before it got too hot, and at noon there was the Biggest Splash Contest. And we can’t forget the ball tournament, which stretched over multiple days.

From 12:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. there was live music by John Allaire, which made shopping in the vendor market extremely pleasant, and for the adults who might have built a thirst, you could always stop by the beer garden. And while not a part of Dairyfest per se, the Legion had their parking lot blocked off and a live band, keeping things rocking.

Also, while not officially a part of Dairyfest, something that people have come to look forward to and enjoy was the tractor parade, which took place on Sunday afternoon. The parade, organized by local farmer John Cinammon is a highlight for residents, particularly those at Dundas Manor, who enjoy the tractors, large and small, rolling through the Manor’s front driveway.

In 2025, the world is a very different place, and Winchester is now recognized for much more  than just Dairyfest, but it is still very much a part of the fabric of the community. When you learn that the event was organized by a small group of only six people, two thoughts should cross your mind: Thank you so much for organizing so much with such a small team, and secondly, where was everyone else, and how can I get involved next year to make it even better?

Your community is, of course, what you make it.