LOCAL NEWSWeather, Competition Impact Fair Turnout

Niverville’s Olde Tyme Country Fair, held June 12–13, is always a highlight on the town’s social calendar, drawing visitors from the entire southeast region. 

“This year’s turnout was around 7,500,” says Dustin Krahn, who serves as Promotions and Sponsorship Coordinator for the Fair Committee. “Down from what we consider to be a great year, although we were happy with the attendance considering all of the competing events on the same weekend.” 

This year’s competition came from the Red River Ex, the FIFA Women’s World Cup, and Winnipeg’s annual Pride Parade. In addition, a bout of rain delayed some of Saturday’s marquee events, including performances by Jordan McIntosh and headliner Brett Kissell.

“Considering the gloomy forecast and the torrential downpour on Saturday, we thought the turnout was pretty good,” Krahn says. “It is challenging comparing year to year, as there are always a handful of factors that are out of our control. If Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate, then people don’t come. It’s as plain as that.”

As a non-profit endeavour, the fair is considered a success if the committee is able to pay all its bills. “The fair isn’t looking to make a profit, but rather recover costs. Indications are that we will fall a bit short this year. However, we aren’t certain of our final numbers as of yet.”

The fair is also 100 percent volunteer-driven. Many of its members work the equivalent of full-time hours to keep the Olde Tyme Country Fair one of the most anticipated events in southeastern Manitoba.

More than three hundred volunteers took to the streets this year to make the fair a success and show off our town. “We would like to thank all of our volunteers,” Krahn emphasizes. “Every bit helps make it happen. It is truly amazing to see how quickly Main Street transforms into a bustling fair. I find it equally impressive how quickly it is then cleaned up and returned to normal as if nothing happened.”

There are various committee positions to be filled this year. If you are interested in helping with financial, sponsorship, entertainment, kids entertainment, or volunteer coordination, contact the Fair Committee at info@nivervillefair.com