From the left: Knitter Caleigh Jerry and Spinner Melanie Overdoing provided visitors to the Agricultural tent with the opportunity to watch as wool was spun using the spindle spinning technique into useable fibres for knitting or crocheting activities. Thompson Goddard Photo

RUSSELL – Months of planning by the Russell Agricultural Society (RAS) led to a jam-packed fair weekend for those attending the 167th Russell Fair held between Aug. 14 and 17. Throughout the fair there was a great turnout of people ready to enjoy the midway rides, special demonstrations, entertainment and a good selection of food available on site.

Russell Agricultural Society President Liz O’Gorman-Smit took a few minutes during her busy schedule to speak with The Record. She mentioned how organizers were working to ensure that everyone had a safe and happy experience visiting the fair. The RAS had set up an onsite misting centre to provide people with the opportunity to enjoy some water on their skin to cool down during the hot weather. A water refill station had been set up to provide visitors with the opportunity to refill their water containers to ensure good hydration.

As the final day of the 2025 Russell Fair began some much-needed rain fell but this didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of fair-goers and the fair ended with sunny skies and cooler temperatures, but there was still a good turnout at the fair. O’Gorman-Smit mentioned the East Coast Kitchen Party was well attended as was the Pancake Breakfast with approximately 600 people enjoying an enjoyable meal to start on the final day of the fair.

Throughout the fair there was a lot of things to experience on the grounds. There was the opportunity for youngsters of all ages to enjoy special dance parties in the arena, puppet shows, Silver Starlets Circus workshops, square dancing workshops, demo derby, Chuck wagon races and listen to the music of “Dan the One-Man Band”.

The area’s agricultural roots were present in several locations including the Education Barn where several skill demonstrations were planned such as sheep shearing, milking, and a spinning demonstration. The Super Gymkhana Horse Show, Open Sheep Show and the St. Lawrence Valley Jersey Show as well as tractor displays, a tractor pull and horse pull were among the agriculturally based events.

O’Gorman-Smit was very pleased with the crowds at the fair and as the fair concluded wished to thank the Board of directors, the community and sponsors and those who attended this year’s fair. Mentioning how “there are lots and lots of hands making it work” in a post fair interview, she described the incredible work and commitment of volunteers to ensure the success of the event.

A sincere note of thanks must be extended to all those who work throughout the year to make sure the Russell Fair continues to provide the best entertainment for people of all years to enjoy.