Nicole Goldsworthy, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, SaskToday.ca
TISDALE — Nearly 600 people gathered under sunny skies for the 84th annual Golburn Fair on Aug. 8, taking in horse competitions, family activities, agricultural exhibits and community entertainment.
The fair, organized by the Golburn Agricultural Society, continues a tradition that dates back to 1942, when the society was founded with support from the area’s successful 4-H swine club. Since then, an annual summer fair has been held at the former Golburn School grounds.
Karen Smith, president of the Golburn Agricultural Society, told SaskToday the success of the event depends on the efforts of countless volunteers and community supporters.
“Our board consists of 11 people, but there are so many people who help clean up beforehand and work a shift or two, or three, on the day of the fair,” Smith said. “It really is a team effort.”
This year’s fair benefited from ideal conditions after last year’s event was held in persistent rain.
“Last year it poured rain the entire day, which is unusual for fair day, so it was great for the sun to come out and have almost perfect weather this year,” Smith said.
One of the strongest attractions was the horse program, which drew 80 registered horses, a number Smith said was above average and reflected growing participation in recent years.
The day began with a light horse show featuring classes such as showmanship, western pleasure, horsemanship and trail. Additional events included walk-trot classes, leadline competitions for young riders and a spectator western pleasure event. The costume class once again proved popular with spectators, Smith said.
Following the horse show, competitors moved into the gymkhana portion of the day, which included barrel racing, pole bending and keyhole races. The annual ring race jackpot, a long-standing Golburn tradition, remained a highlight, alongside unique competitions such as the run-and-ride, boot race and musical tires.
Smith said organizers strive to offer opportunities for participants of all ages and experience levels.
“Our goal is to create an opportunity for everyone to show in a fun and relaxed environment,” Smith said.
The fair also hosted a six-team slo-pitch tournament, a number that has remained consistent over the years.
Beyond the horse arena and ball diamonds, visitors enjoyed a wide variety of attractions, including a chili cook-off, beer garden, RC races, children’s games, bouncy houses, a climbing wall, a talent show, farmers’ market and afternoon bingo.
Entertainment at the grandstand featured Tisdale musician Gabi Rayne, who returned to perform at the fair. Organizers noted the performance coincided with the release of Rayne’s new album, StarGrazer.
Inside the hall, approximately 500 exhibits were entered by about 20 junior exhibitors, 25 adult exhibitors and one school. Entries ranged from vegetables and baking to handicrafts and photography.
While the exhibits remain a popular part of the fair experience, Smith said participation has declined in recent years.
Visitors spent much of the day viewing the displays and checking judging results, which remain a traditional feature of the fair.
The Golburn Agricultural Society aims to break even financially each year, with any surplus funds reinvested into future fairs and community programming.
Smith said that although the society has not hosted additional events in recent years, it has previously organized agricultural safety days and supported agricultural education initiatives in the region. The grounds were also once home to the Golburn Gallopers Light Horse 4-H Club.
Smith said community support continues to be essential to the fair’s success.
“We are incredibly fortunate to have a community that continues to sponsor and support the fair every year,” she said.
For a community that once included a railway siding, grain elevator, post office and grocery store, the annual fair remains an important gathering place, celebrating the area’s agricultural heritage while bringing together residents and visitors for a day of family-friendly activities.
