The Carman Country Fair wrapped up another successful edition July 10 to 12, celebrating its 145th anniversary with strong attendance, enthusiastic crowds and plenty of community spirit.
Dufferin Agricultural Society president Elaine Owen said visitors, competitors and volunteers all came together to make the milestone fair a memorable one.
“As president, I had the best seat in the house to witness all the incredible things that happened — and let me tell you, there was no shortage of wonderful moments, laughter and a bit of dust,” said Owen. “We saw fantastic attendance this year, which only proves that when the Dufferin Ag Society puts on a fair, people come ready to have a good time.”
Among her personal highlights were the new children’s activities featuring Sleepy the Clown and the Farmtastic Fun Zone, as well as the wildly popular dirt bike barrel racing event.
“Nothing brings a crowd together quite like cheering on cars smashing into each other or watching antique tractors pull a skid as far as they can. It’s the kind of wholesome mayhem that only a fair can deliver,” she said.
The livestock competitions saw strong turnout, with 62 head in the open show and 16 jackpot yearling heifers. Winners included:
• Champion Female: KCH Cattle Company
• Reserve Female: Brock Sigurdson
• Grand Champion Female: Brayden Steppler
• Champion Bull: KCH Cattle Company
• Reserve Bull: Twin Oak Livestock
• Jackpot Yearling Heifers: 1st – Rhett Sigurdson, 2nd – Brynn Steppler, 3rd – Berts NR Simmentals
• Sixteen-year-old Kara de Rocquigny of the Miami 4-H Beef Club earned steer grand champion honours. Her 1,634-pound steer sold for approximately $9,800 — about $6 per pound.
“I plan to put this money into savings to use for university or to eventually expand my own herd,” said de Rocquigny, who is considering a future in either agronomy or nursing. “Right now, my focus is on raising Simmentals.”
She began working with her steer in May, using chute training, daily grooming and a consistent feeding routine to prepare for the fair. She said she prefers bull performance rations for development, despite rising feed costs this year.
“I knew whatever I spent I’d be able to earn back. My goal is to keep learning and eventually become a role model for younger 4-H members,” she said. “4-H is so much fun and there’s something for everyone to enjoy.”
Also featured in this year’s auction was a steer raised by the Miami 4-H Club and purchased by Keen Seeds. Proceeds from the auction and pre-ticket sales totalled $36,730, all in support of 19-year-old Peyton Bourgeois, who is battling a rare and aggressive form of germ cell ovarian cancer. With no treatment options remaining in Manitoba, Bourgeois is seeking care out of province or abroad.
After purchasing the steer, Keen Seeds immediately donated it back to the meat auction, where it was sold again — this time to Prairie Roots Co-op for $6,190. Proceeds were once again directed to Bourgeois.
The exhibit hall welcomed more than 2,200 entries in various categories, highlighting the talents and dedication of community members of all ages. Winners included:
• Arts Award (CIBC): Olga Krahn
• Crafts Award (RM of Dufferin): Kelly Hein
• Woodworking & Metalworks Award (Skylon Electric): Jim Rodgers
• Artisan Handcrafts Award (Town of Carman): Cindy Vanderveen
• Senior Section Award (Homestead Co-op): Sandra Single
• Home Arts Award (RBC): Irene Stevenson
• A.J. & Nina Strachan Memorial Horticulture Award: Trinia Kell
• Helen Dunn Memorial Junior Arts & Crafts Award: Aliya Epp
• Junior Horticulture Award (Vanderveen’s Greenhouses): Kaitlyn Knox
• Junior Home Arts Award (PKF Lawyers): Anika Epp
• Junior Section Award (Kate Froese Pottery): Kaitlyn Knox
• Ollie McCullough Memorial Best Quilt Award: Evelyn Froebe (family provides trophy)
• Beth McKnight Memorial Most Points Award: Irene Stevenson
Owen extended her heartfelt thanks to sponsors and volunteers for helping deliver another memorable fair.
“For 145 years, the Carman Fair has been part of this community’s fabric. As a board, we’re committed to ensuring it continues for many more years to come,” she said. “We strive to keep much of the fair free so that every family — no matter their situation — can come and create memories together. It’s clear that when our community comes together, there’s no limit to what we can achieve — and possibly no limit to the number of mini donuts consumed either.”
