Paul Bickford
Northern News Services
Published Monday, September 17, 2007

HAY RIVER - The Hay River Fall Fair has made a successful return after a two-year absence.

Dianne Benwell, of Fort Smith, and her two-year-old granddaughter Angel Benwell get an up close look at a turnip at the Hay River Fall Fair. - Paul Bickford/NNSL photo

"We thought it went very well," said organizing committee chairperson Linda Carter of the Sept. 8 & 9 event.

In all, 163 exhibits, including produce and crafts, were entered in the fair by dozens of people. Those exhibits were judged and the best received ribbons.

"We were quite happy with the showing of local produce and crafts," Carter said.

There were also non-competition displays, ranging from carvings to fishing fly tying.

Carter noted the fall fair, including the competition, was quite casual and a chance for people to visit and share a cup of coffee.

Fifty-three volunteers helped on the door, as judges and with decorating.

"We were quite happy the community pulled together," Carter said.

Organizers plan to present the fall fair again next year.

Prior to 2005, the fall fair was run by the Territorial Farmers' Association (TFA), until federal funding was cut for such events.

Last year, the NWT Centennial Library held a small-scale Fall Fiesta. Unlike a fall fair, it was not a competition.

The fall fair began in 1977 under the former Hay River Horticultural Society, which ran it until the late 1990s. It was defunct for several years, before it was revived by the TFA.