Barrhead never fails to put on an event that's catered to all ages. The Blue Heron Fair was a great success, bringing family and friends together outside for a weekend full of sunshine.
The demolition derby Friday night had the crowd cheering and gasping with every crash. Spinning tires sent dirt flying at unsuspecting spectators. Children clambered up onto the fences to get a better look at the action.
As the competition came to a close, the sun set and basked the victor in a golden light fit for a champion.
Those who preferred a quieter atmosphere were out of luck at the parade the next morning. It was hard to miss the music and floats making their way through town. Two RCMP officers dressed in the traditional mounty uniforms led the way, closely followed by a band of bagpipes.
The floats were gloriously decorated with themed displays, balloons, and happy people. Smiles were plastered on the faces of children who lined the streets, as candy rained down upon them.
The local fire department brought up the rear, bringing the parade to a flashy but noisy end.
Headed over to the fair itself, crowds walked in on a burst of colour. A bouncy castle, a bungee jumping device, and a long inflated caterpillar caught the eye.
Bursts of laughter could be heard from the petting zoo tent, where children found great joy spending time with furry and feathered creatures. The sleeping pot bellied pig, who let out an occasional grunt, had kids squealing with delight. There were chickens, rabbits, guinea pigs, a calf, a pony, you name it, they had it.
The fair welcomed the Gymkhana event for the first time this year. Participants were both young and old. There were small children who could hardly keep their helmets from falling over their eyes, and there were mothers whose children cheered them on from the stands. Words of encouragement not only came from the crowd, but from other participants. It must be nice to win, but that didn’t stop anyone from cheering for each competitor.
Perhaps the most popular event was the rodeo, always a source for wild entertainment. Steers were wrestled, barrels were rounded, and bucking bulls and broncs were ridden, sometimes with success and sometimes without.
The announcer never failed to encourage cheers from the crowd, regardless of where the cowboy or cowgirl was from. Whether a rider lasted one second or 10, the crowd still cheered.
Events like this are a chance to get out and enjoy some quality time with the family. They are a chance to meet up with the friends you don’t get to see often. They are a chance to support the community, and have fun doing it. A chance to soak up the last of the summer sun before winter begins to take over.
