CARP – It was a week-long event involving dozens of volunteers, hundreds of volunteer hours and a community submitting several hundred entries in a variety of homecraft and agricultural divisions.

Last Saturday and Sunday (Sept. 19 and 20) community members submitted their entries. On Monday and Tuesday (Sept. 21 and 22) certified judges did their work, and today is the day (Sept. 25) the red ribbons are announced. For coverage of the process including interviews with judges, competitors and Homecraft President Patricia Boyd, click here.

“The results are in for Carp Fair’s 2020 Showcase,” showcase volunteers released in a statement today. “See them all at (the Carp Fair Facebook page). Thank you to everyone who volunteered and those who entered.”

COVID-19 cancelled this year’s Carp Fair and all other agricultural fairs as well. Last night would have been Carp Fair Homecoming and today would be the first full day of the fair. A day when students from local schools descend on the grounds for some fun and lots of agricultural education.

One of the highlights of the fair is walking through the exhibit hall and seeing the best this community has to offer in the homecraft and agricultural divisions. The Carp Agricultural Society (CAS) organized the Carp Fair 2020 Showcase so this spotlight of skills, many lost in the urban centres of the world, could continue.

“In spite of the late start to this year’s growing season and some very dry weather, local growers had a great summer and some beautiful produce was contributed to the Fruits and Vegetables Department of the 2020 Showcase,” the CAS said. “Non-Traditional Culinary vies for top prize as the tastiest category in the 2020 Showcase. Congratulations to all who entered their wonderful food items. Thank you to West Physio Carp and Arnprior for sponsoring. Beautiful entries in the 2020 Showcase at the Carp Fair. (past president) Martha and Angus Palmer and their family from right here in Carp are the generous sponsors of this years Sewing Needlework and Craft Department.”

When the provincial government recently changed regulations related to the size of gatherings, the 4H Club cancelled a planned beef and sheep show, but the CAS has come up with a safe alternative.

“The 4H livestock and sheep competitions are a big part of the fair each year,” the board said. “On Friday night, the sheep classes will be held on a local farm in a safe and distanced little show. Carp Fair will live stream it here. Watch for the feed a bit after 5:30 p.m. on Friday evening.”

To see the Carp Fair 2020 Showcase winners, click here.

And don’t forget, Saturday night (Sept. 26) starting at 8 p.m. the Carp Fair will be hosting a fireworks show West Carleton won’t soon forget.