Thousands flock to Binbrook Fair for rodeo, derby

It’s one of Canada’s largest fairs where you can get your fix of both cotton candy and cattle. The Binbrook Fair is 172 years old this year and attracts thousands over four days.

Something new was added in the last five years – the RAM Rodeo Tour.

Over 100 competitors from across Ontario are in Binbrook this week competing for cash prizes, including bull riding.

“The daily draw is the rodeo and the evening draw is our traditional demolition derby. And throughout the day we have livestock shows where we have youth and local competitions,” said Chad Roberts from the Binbrook Agricultural Society.

Organizers say the Binbrook Fair is unique because it’s in the heart of a growing community, keeping to its agricultural roots.

“We always say, if you ate today, thank a farmer,” said Alicia Powell from the Binbrook Agricultural Society.

This is the mandate of the Binbrook Agricultural Society, who puts on this fair – help the community realize what goes into growing or raising the food they eat, even if you are just hanging out with your friends, playing in the corn.

“Over the course of the four days of the fair’s operation, we anticipate up to 25,000 people to come through,” said Powell.

With a significant roster of volunteers helping run the show, though tradition puts them centre stage in a rope pulling competition, the bull went easy on them.

There are many categories in the rodeo, including trick riding and barrel racing – that’s where Deborah Olyschlager directs her expertise.

“It’s pretty much a daily thing. You have to ride pretty much five, six days a week. Train, keep them as fit as they can possibly be,” said Olyschlager.

You can also visit the livestock tent and learn what it takes to show cattle.

‘There’s a breed standard for all the breeds of cattle. You’re looking for an animal that has a really good solid frame, an animal that walks on a great set of feet or legs,” said Sue Passow, co-owner of Concordia Herefords.

More information about the Binbrook Fair can be found on their website.

READ MORE: Supercrawl draws thousands as Hamilton’s arts scene takes centre stage