The happy greetings of friends meeting, the laughter of children, crowds of people, ponies neighing, taped music and pink candy floss, - an atmosphere of gaiety! - this was the Fair! It was the 22nd annual North Thompson Fall Fair, held at the new fair site in Barriere, drawing a crowd of over three thousand. Despite intermittent showers of rain, hail and cool winds the events proceeded on schedule and there was never a dull moment. Bill Mattenly, who manned the public address system, kept things moving and interesting.
This was the first time a two day fair was held and it proved to be a real success. Many were the exhibits, although the canning was down. The community booths were excellent, and outstanding was a display of antiques by the Mt. Leona Rangers.
Pony-chariot races, chuckwagon, and horse races held both days were high lights of the fair. Pigeons were set free to return to their homes, trained dogs did some entertaining, and there was a cock-crowing competition. One rooster crowed 24 times in 10 minutes! Then there was the powder-puff chariot race when ladies did the driving!
The parade, the largest yet, was held on the second day of the fair with the Honourable Phil Gaglardi and the Shuswap Pipe Band leading, Phil mounted on his favourite horse.
The Kamloops Sons of Norway Lief Erickson Lodge won first for their Viking Ship as the best float in the parade.
Johnson Backhoe Service of Barriere was the best commercial float, depicting the old and new in plumbing. Barriere Tasty Treat won second in the commercial class and the comedy entry prize was shared by the Westsyde and Barriere Fire Departments. The beat Centenial Costume award went to the children of Frank Richter.
There were decorated bicycles and tricycles, horses with riders in costume, and children in costumes walking.
An event creating great interest was the Tug-of-War contest with the Clearwater fire department winning the final against Barriere.
The Queen of the Fair, Miss Sue Johnson of Clearwater, officially opened the fair, and with her were her attendants, Miss Barbara Fennell of Barriere, first princess and Miss Hettie Haynes of Clearwater, second princess.
Mrs. Jim Archibald of Birch Island won the prize of a bottle of hand lotion from the Koscot stall at the N.T. Fall Fair, in charge of Mrs. Holland.
Many were the entries of clubs and individuals in the animal classes, the grand champion steer prize going to Dallas Bertolotti. He also won the open singles champion prize.
WelBar Ranches had the champion bull, the champion registered female and the Reserve champion in both classes.
David Belcham of Little Fort won for the champion dairy cow. Christopher Perry of Westsyde showed the chamion market lamb.

North Thompson Times
Wednesday September 15, 1971