Fall fair at Fort Erie Conservation Club ‘bigger than it’s ever been’
September 29, 2024 at 2:39 PM
A few instances of light rain didn’t deter close to 2,000 people from supporting the Fort Erie Conservation Club and its annual fall fair on Saturday.
“It’s bigger than it’s ever been,” club president Connie Charron told Fort Erie Radio around 1 p.m., estimating that about 1,800 guests had already come through.
Arvik Sharma playing bean bag toss while his father Nitin and conservation club volunteer Brian Johnston cheering him on. Credit: Kris Dubé | Fort Erie RadioThere were dozens of vendors at the organization’s Ott Road property, which spans more than 110 acres, said Charron.
Food and beverages, jewelry, clothing, housewares, and many more things were being sold by small businesses who were set up at the event.
It’s estimated that close to 2,000 people attended Saturday’s Fall Fair at the Fort Erie Conservation Club. Credit: Kris Dubé | Fort Erie RadioThe Stevensville Pallet Project, operated by Adam Burton and his wife Adele, was a popular stop for people as they browsed what the fair had to offer.
They make various home decor items out of repurposed wood.
One focus of their project is supporting Niagara Dog Rescue with proceeds going to that organization through the sale of every “dog-related” piece, Adam told Fort Erie Radio at the fall fair Saturday.
They are also selling hats with all proceeds going to Niagara Dog Rescue.
Adam Burton from the Stevensville Pallet Project. Credit: Kris Dubé | Fort Erie RadioOne popular item on display Saturday were cribbage boards designed with the face of various dog breeds at the top of the piece.
“We do whatever we can to promote rescue and help save dogs,” said Burton.
“It’s repurposed wood to help repurpose dogs,” he added.
Stevensville Pallet Project has 3,500 followers on Facebook and can be reached through their page.
Asher Jones gets his face painted by Venessa Lukacs on Saturday. Credit: Kris Dubé | Fort Erie RadioFace painting at the event was provided for free by Creative Faces by Venessa as well as Happy Ducky Face Painting.
Charron was delighted by the large crowd on Saturday.
The club, which celebrated its 40-year anniversary in 2023, has many initiatives, such as handing out bursaries to post-secondary students, hosting an annual fishing derby, as well as raising walleye that are hatched to be restocked in the Grand River.
Sienna Dubuc goes for a pony ride Saturday. Credit: Kris Dubé | Fort Erie RadioProgramming is supported mostly by bingo revenues, and the club also offers hall rentals for events such as weddings, celebrations of life, showers, and other special occasions.
Charron said the fall fair is vital for the club as it helps pay bills at the clubhouse.
“This helps to keep the club going,” said Charron.
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About The Author
Kris Dubé
Kris is a veteran journalist who has worked in Niagara for close to 20 years. He is also a lifelong resident of Fort Erie, a place he plans to call home and raise his family for many more years.
Ponies are not there by choice. So unnecessary. Hauling them around to be used as entertainment props is simply wrong. What if they simply don’t feel like having endless streams of kids on their backs? They have no choice but “give” rides. What if they are feeling ill, tired, cranky, or unsociable? It doesn’t matter, because parents come expecting to entertain the kiddos. Stop this exploitation. Leave the ponies out of events.