On Sunday, Aug. 5, Cannington Fair was held. It is the largest celebration that the park puts on every year and it was attended by many.
On a beautiful day with the sun shining families from all over attended the festivities. As the fair goers stepped out of their vehicles they entered into the 19th Century. Events held all day at the fair varied from rope making, to the White Bear Connection, and various games to learn including tennis, croquet, and horseshoes.
Between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. there were wagon rides, Victorian tea, Victorian crafting, and fantastic live music. While between noon and 3 p.m. children's games were held, at 2 p.m. there was an introduction to the game of cricket held, and at 3 p.m. everyone enjoyed homemade ice cream.
Wagon rides were enjoyed by many. Herman Fornwald of Estevan brought his team of quarter horses to Cannington to provide this service. Young and old alike enjoyed taking a tour of the historic park while sitting in the covered wagon.
Music for the fair was provided by three talented individuals from Forget. Tim and Donna Shakotko along with Dave Martell played fantastic music enjoyed by everyone. Often found at the open mic nights of the Happy Nun in Forget it is something they just enjoy doing. Being asked to play at the fair they were therefore more than happy to accept.
Something enjoyed by all was the availability of entering the All Saints' Anglican Church. Built in 1884, it still has an active congregation and since it is not owned by the park it is not always open to those visiting Cannington. They enjoy working with the park and attempt to have it open after services, every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month during the summer. Services are held at 1 p.m.
Members of the church provided the delicious beef on a bun available for lunch at the fair along with all sorts of goodies. This was in fact a fundraiser for the church as they have been putting their efforts into restoring the historic building.
The rain from the past few years provided insight to the structural problems the church was dealing with. In 2010 major restorations began as it was designated a Municipal Heritage Property and received some funding through the Saskatchewan Heritage Foundation and a Community Initiatives Grant. Last year saw the foundation completely removed with new foundations lain.
"The drought before these last few years actually helped to preserve the building," Leigh Robinson of Carlyle, Project Coordinator, explained.
In relation with their move to completely restore the church, which will continue this fall with exterior repairs and next year with interior repairs, they were awarded the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan Heritage and Architecture Excellence Award for Interior and Exterior Conservation.
Through their efforts they hope to make the church more accessible to people as well because the church is usually locked when people attend the park. They now keep it open after services on Sundays for people to take in a key piece of heritage associated with Cannington Manor.
"It's been a really rewarding process to restore the building and make it more accessible to the general public," Robinson stated.
Since it was open the day of the fair many were seen entering the church and marvelling at the craftsmanship. They asked Robinson many questions concerning the history of the church and how it still plays an integral part in the community during the summer months.
Those attending the Cannington Fair also toured many other buildings that offered much history as well as interactive activities to be enjoyed. Many youth were taught how to make rope out of twine and others created crafts, such as straw hats with decorations on them in the Maltby House.
The information centre was brimming with people reading through the history of the area and the town of Cannington Manor before being moved after the railroad was built in 1900. Many also took photos with the park employees all dressed in period pieces. Victorian dressed men and women were very knowledgeable and willing to help. Those dressed in period pieces included one as a North-West Mounted Police officer, the forefather of the RCMP.
Overall the fair was a great success and was enjoyed by many. Next to be enjoyed this summer at the park is Cannington by Candlelight starting at 8 p.m. on Aug. 16. Their final Vintage Village Sunday will be between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Aug. 19. The park is closed on Tuesdays, but their last weekend open will be Labour Day weekend in September.
