The Chatham Kinsmen Fair is back.
The Chatham Kinsmen Club has announced the return of the 2024 Kinsmen Festival. It will take place from Thursday, May 30, 2024 to Sunday, June 2, 2024 at the Memorial Arena grounds at 80 Tweedsmuir Avenue in south Chatham.
Last summer, organizers had to pull the plug on the event after being informed World's Finest Shows, the company it has used for several years, couldn't do it.
President Ryan Robinson told CK News Today World’s Finest Shows will be bringing a variety of rides for children, teenagers, and adults this year, including two new rides, one called 'Alien Abduction' and a swinging pirate ship ride.
"The two new rides, it's something different. We're hoping people really enjoy it. We have the Pirate Ship and Alien Abduction, AKA the old Gravitron," said Robinson.
Fair patrons can save $5 on all day rides by clicking here until May 29, 2024.
Robinson said it was important to bring back the fair because the funds raised help support minor sports teams in the community and the 294 Chatham-Kent Air Cadet Squadron.
"I'm really excited to have it back. Without us doing fireworks, it's one of the bigger fundraisers this year. A lot of the community projects, like the school breakfast program, Elmer the Safety Elephant, minor sports, and all the things that we sponsor, they really need the money and that's our only fundraiser this year," Robinson said.
He said it was difficult getting sponsorship for the fair this year, but he is very excited to have it back.
"Normally, we have Wave Connection, but unfortunately we couldn't get on the Wave Connection board in time. So, we had to look elsewhere for sponsorships," he said.
Fair organizers said Tiger Paw is returning and will be displaying exotic animals and offering pony rides for a small fee.
There is also a colouring contest for Elmer the Safety Elephant available this year. Click here for contest rules and prizes.
Elmer the Safety Elephant and other fire department characters will also make appearances, according to organizers.
Also this year, there's a draw for a chance to win a $250 gift certificate toward a bike.
Organizers noted Artisans, Crafters, and Vendors can be found inside and outside Memorial Arena on Saturday and Sunday, but the fair could use more vendors.
Applications can be found by clicking here or can be submitted by emailing chathamkinsmen@gmail.com.
Organizers are also asking the public to bring a food donation on Thursday, May 30, 2024 and Friday, May 31, 2024 and the Kinsmen Club will match those donations and donate them to local food banks.
There are no gate fees and entry to the Fair Grounds is free.
Click here for more information about activities.