WEYBURN — The 115th edition of the Weyburn Fair wrapped up its three-day run with higher attendance than last year, in spite of rain and thunderstorms on two of the three days.
The attendance figures released on Monday saw 1,700 on Thursday, 2,500 on Friday and 3,600 on Saturday, for a grand total of around 7,800 people, up from 7,096 who came through the gates in 2023.
“We were happy with the attendance and how the community came out despite all the rain the first two days,” said Tyler Metheral, president of the Weyburn Ag Society.
“The Petting Zoo and Kids Tractor-Land, along with more Ag-Education, seems to be very popular. The Trade Show on Saturday was a success as many visitors enjoyed all the different vendors. The Souris River Rodeo always puts on a great show rain or shine. The dedicated fans stuck it out through the rain as well,” he added.
There was no rain at the Fair a year ago, while this year saw rain on Thursday evening and a thunderstorm on Friday, with the stands filled for the demo derby on Saturday evening.
The “Rumble in the Ring” derby saw a drop in contestants, with seven entries, so all seven ran in the opening heat, and after some lawn mower races and quad pulls, the two feature heats were held to determine the top winners.
“The Rumble in the Ring Demo derby was shy on cars, but the drivers all put on a great show for the standing-room only grandstand. Lawn Mower Racers and Quad Pullers put on an exciting, thrilling show for all ages,” said Metheral.
In the feature heat No. 1, Colton Dodd won first place and Kevin Dodd took second. In heat No. 2, Dustin Kennedy won first, Colton Dodd came second, and Sonny St. Denis took third.
The “Best Dressed” award went to Mac Metheral for his “Grinch” car, while St. Denis won the hardest hit award, and Mackenzie Rogal won the Tough Luck award.
In the lawn mower races, Tyler Metheral won first in the course race, and Karson Thue took second.
For the quad pulls, there were two categories based on engine size. For the 500-799cc quads, Aeron Reinson won first and Tyler Metheral took second.
In the 800-1000cc category, Wade Haberstock won first, and Mac Metheral came second.
For the second night of the Souris River Rodeo, there was live music on stage after the rodeo performance, with Tequila Mockingbird playing on Friday night, and then after the demo derby Saturday, Weyburn band Switch took to the stage.
A new feature this year was the addition of the Truco Trick Riders on Thursday right before the rodeo performance began, with Weyburn rider Charlize Hallberg part of the five-member group.
The DQ Kids Rodeo began on Saturday morning in the rodeo arena, and a trade show was held in Exhibition Hall, with the Deep South Barrel Racing Jackpot in the afternoon.
The trade show had 11 vendors last year, and it grew to 31 vendors at this year’s Fair in Exhibition Hall.
The Food Alley was ready to serve up all favourite fair foods along with local food vendors, and a fan favourite, Ol’ McDale’s Petting Zoo, was located in the McFadden Building.
“The three-day format, although very busy and jam-packed with events, is easier on our volunteers and allows us to have more time to clean up afterwards on the Sunday. We would like to thank the community of Weyburn and surrounding areas, as well as all of our sponsors who support us in our endeavour to educate and entertain our youth and community,” said Metheral.
Canuck Amusements had the midway and games, while the household arts exhibits were located in the Tom Zandee Sports Arena along with a Tractor Land and daily Kids Tractor Pulls, plus there was an open mike and talent show in exhibition hall.
The knocker balls, put on by the Weyburn Ag Society, along with the Wobbly balls in a pool of water, were both popular again this year.
“I want to thank all our sponsors and volunteers. We put the call out for both to help us put on this massive event, which is actually our biggest fundraiser of the year. We are a non-profit organization and our board of dedicated volunteers help to operate and maintain all the buildings on the grounds including the grandstand, Forge and Anvil, Exhibition hall, McFadden building, Rodeo arena, Lions Den, pole barn and the big barn, home of the Souris Valley Industries arena. The fair helps us raise money to up keep these buildings so we can maintain them for the community to use,” said Brandie Fisher, media relations and advertising director for the Ag Society.
