Junior Fair
The Junior Fair is a special part of the Coldwater Fall Fair, dedicated to celebrating the creativity, talents, and achievements of young participants in our community. From crafts, baking, and school projects to fun competitions and hands-on activities, the Junior Fair gives youth the opportunity to showcase their skills, learn new ones, and take part in the excitement of the fair. It’s a fun and encouraging environment where children can build confidence, express their creativity, and be recognized for their hard work while enjoying all the family-friendly experiences the fair has to offer.
Art - Junior
Class 110 – Art – Junior
Coordinator: Cheryl Judson (705-790-7144)
No Exhibitor Fee: (Age 13 and under)
Rules:
1. All artwork is to be original, not a numbered or open print.
2. All artwork is to be the work of the exhibitor. The exhibitor must be an amateur artist, not having had any prior solo gallery exposure.
3. All artwork is to be framed or mounted and ready to hang. Any artwork not able to be hung will not be judged.
4. Each artist is limited to 1 entry per section.
5. All artwork must have been created within the last year.
All awards at the discretion of the Judge.
Ages 4 to 7 years
Prizes: 1st: $8, 2nd: $6, 3rd: $4
Sections:
1. | Artwork needs to reflect the Theme of the Fair – "Country Life" in any Medium |
2. | Any Subject in any Medium |
Ages 8 to 10 years
Prizes: 1st: $8, 2nd: $6, 3rd: $4
Sections:
1. | Artwork needs to reflect the Theme of the Fair – "Country Life" in any Medium |
2. | Any Subject in any Medium |
Ages 11 to 13 years
Prizes: 1st: $8, 2nd: $6, 3rd: $4
Sections:
1. | Artwork needs to reflect the Theme of the Fair – "Country Life" in any Medium |
2. | Any Subject in any Medium |
Baby Show
Class 117 – Baby Show
Coordinator: Judith Cox (705-305-1086)
Saturday at 10:00 a.m. (on stage downstairs)
It’s more than just a baby show – it’s a family affair! Come and join the community in celebrating our infants and toddlers! Children ages three months to two years are eligible and will be judged on requirements of their age category. Come on out and join the fun!!
Rules:
1. No entry fee.
2. Judge’s decisions are final.
Prizes: All babies receive a participant ribbon for entering the Baby Show.
Sections:
1. | Longest baby – Boys and Girls 3 to 7 months |
2. | Least hair – Boys and Girls 3 to 7 months |
3. | Most hair – Boys and Girls 3 to 7 months |
4. | Most teeth – Boys and Girls 8 to 12 months |
5. | Wildest hair (naturally) – Boys and Girls 8 to 12 months |
6. | Biggest feet – Boys and Girls 8 to 12 months |
7. | Curliest hair (naturally) – Boys and Girls 13 to 18 months |
8. | Can tell everyone their name – Boys and Girls 19 to 24 months |
9. | Least amount of hair – Boys and Girls 19 to 24 months |
10. | "Chip off the old block" – To follow the baby show Two persons, who look alike, from two different generations of the same family – father/son, grandmother/granddaughter ” “Chip off the old Block” is only open to 3 years and up and judging is based on facial features. |
Community Service Project
Class 107 – Community Service Project
Coordinators: Marlene Limpright (705-331-6419)
Mary Thompson (705-345-3817)
Prizes: 1st: $8, 2nd: $6, 3rd: $4, 4th: $2
Sections:
1. | Decorate a can of food to look like "Country Life" theme. Do not remove label. Cans will be donated to the Coldwater Food Bank afterwards. |
Classroom Projects
Class 105 – Classroom Projects
Coordinators: Marlene Limpright (705-331-6419)
Mary Thompson (437-345-3817)
Rules:
1. Not more then one entry per classroom
2. Label your class grade and school on the bottom right hand corner
3. Murals must be between 3′ and 6′ with no border
4. Murals can include additional items (.ie. cotton balls, recycled materials)
5. Only first place will receive a prize
Judging will be done on look and creativity.
Prize: $10
Sections:
1. | Create a mural of your pet’s paws and nose marks |
2. | Create a family tree |
3. | A mural depicting the theme, "Country Life" |
Crafts
Class 101 – Crafts
Coordinators: Marlene Limpright (705-331-6419)
Mary Thompson (437-345-3817)
Rules:
1. All crafts should be made by the student.
2. All crafts should reflect the theme of the fair, “Country Life”
3. All ages MUST be on the tag.
Judging will be done on the following: Look and Creativity
Ages 3 to 4
Prizes: 1st: $8, 2nd: $6, 3rd: $4, 4th: $2
Sections:
1. | Create a 3D farm animal out of your own materials (clay, plasticine) (Please put name of animal on tag) |
2. | Create an item out of an egg carton |
3. | Make a craft with a grandparent |
Ages 5 to 7
Prizes: 1st: $8, 2nd: $6, 3rd: $4, 4th: $2
Sections:
1. | Decorate an uncooked potato (example: person, funny character, superhero or animal) |
2. | Create a natural sculpture or animal using pine cones |
3. | Create a piggy bank from recycled materials |
Ages 8 to 12
Prizes: 1st: $8, 2nd: $6, 3rd: $4, 4th: $2
Sections:
1. | Decorate a pair of rubber boots |
2. | Design a self portrait |
3. | Create a Lego masterpiece depicting the theme, "Country Life" |
Flowers
Class 104 – Flowers
Coordinators: Marlene Limpright (705-331-6419)
Mary Thompson (437-345-3817)
Prizes: 1st: $8, 2nd: $6, 3rd: $4, 4th: $2
Sections:
1. | Geranium plant with blooms (from garden) |
2. | Wildflowers in a unique container (minimum 3 varieties) |
3. | A monochrome (1 colour) flower arrangement, using a unique container |
4. | Dahlias (3 single stems) |
5. | Marigolds (3 large blooms) |
6. | Best sunflower head (seeded heads) |
7. | Three types of flowers in a bouquet (your choice) |
8. | A bouquet of herbs |
9. | Rose blooms (3 blooms) |
Grains, Root Vegetables and Fruit
Class 100 – Grains, Root Vegetables and Fruit
Coordinators: Marlene Limpright (705-331-6419)
Mary Thompson (437-345-3817)
Rules:
1. All items must be homegrown.
2. Please label name of items on the tag
Prizes: 1st: $8, 2nd: $6, 3rd: $4, 4th: $2
Sections:
1. | Apples – 3 (name of apple on tag) |
2. | 1 Butternut Squash |
3. | Collection of three (3) Ontario vegetables (name of vegetables on tag) |
4. | Oddest shaped vegetable (name of vegetable on tag) |
5. | 3 Onions 2" stems attached |
6. | Collection of gourds, min of 6, displayed in a decorative container |
7. | Largest beet |
8. | Vegetable display, minimum of 3 varieties |
9. | 1st cut of baled hay 10" |
10. | 2nd cut of baled hay 10" |
11. | Corn sheaf – 3 stalks, variety and purpose labelled on tag |
12. | Largest pumpkin, not weighed. Display on stage |
Intermediate Poster Competition - Grades 5 -8
Class 103 – Intermediate Poster Competition
Coordinators: Marlene Limpright (705-331-6419)
Mary Thompson (437-345-3817)
Grades 5 to 8 inclusive
Poster size – Minimum approximately 22cm x 28cm without border;
Maximum approximately 28cm x 44cm without border.
Each entry must be centred on CARDSTOCK or Bristol Board exposing approximately 5.5 cm border on all four sides.
Prizes: 1st: $8, 2nd: $6, 3rd: $4, 4th: $2
Sections:
1. | Create a Poster – Promoting the Coldwater Fall Fair Name and date must be on the poster – September 25, 26, 27, 2026. Must be hand drawn |
Junior Farm Olympics
Class 121 – Junior Farm Olympics
Coordinator: Mary Thompson (437-345-3817)
Sunday at 12:30 (on the grass area near the speaker’s booth)
In case of rain, this event will be held in the pavilion
No registration fee – open to boys and girls ages 13 and under
Sections:
1. | Up to age 3 years |
2. | Ages 4 to 6 years |
3. | Ages 7 to 9 years |
4. | Ages 10 to 13 years |
Junior Mud Race
Class 123 – Junior Mud Race
Coordinator: Jill Sargent (705-209-0275)
Sunday at 12:30 p.m. (near the derby pit)
Following the Farm Olympics
No registration fee – open to everyone ages 2 and up
Rules:
1. Classes 2 to 5 will be directed to the Mud Race immediately after their age group is finished the Farm Olympics.
2. All classes will receive a walk through prior to racing.
3. Parent/Guardian approval is required.
All Classes:
Contestants will spring through the mud obstacle course, across the grass, over the big heap, locate a rock in the mud pool and carry it to the finish line. The first contestant to complete the course wins.
Sections:
1. | Open class (ages 14 and up) |
2. | Ages 2 to 3 years |
3. | Ages 4 to 6 years |
4. | Ages 7 to 9 years |
5. | Ages 10 to 13 years |
Junior Tractor Pull
Class 116 – Junior Tractor Pull
Coordinator: Vacant
Saturday on the skateboard pad
Registration: 1:00 p.m.
Pull starts: 1:30 p.m.
Pedal Tractors will be provided
Rules:
- The contestant must be able to pedal tractor without assistance.
- All contestants must wear shoes. No Sandals.
- All contestants will be given three chances to get the sled moving from the starting line.
- The pulling tractor must stay between the lines.
- If the tractor leaves the pulling lane, the pull is done and the distance will be measured from the starting line to the point where the tractor crossed the boundary.
- Backing up and jerking is not allowed.
- Hands must remain on the steering wheel, feet on the pedals and child must remain seated on the tractor at all times during the pull.
- If the forward momentum of the tractor stops or a foot falls off a pedal the pull is over.
- Pulling begins when the official shouts “GO” & Waves the green flag.
- The pull ends when the tractor has crossed the finish line or the tractor stops moving.
- All pulls will be measured from the starting line to the front of the trailer.
- If the equipment should malfunction, the child will be allowed to re-pull.
- We reserve the right to stop an individual pull at our discretion if the possibility of injury is present or for safety reasons.
- In case of a tie there will be a pull-off to determine a winner.
- Both boys and girls are eligible to enter in each class. The judge’s decision will be final for all pulls.
- All contestants must be present at the time of pedal pull with a signed waiver.
- Child must be accompanied by an adult or guardian.
- Spectators must stay behind ropes/lines.
- It is not a race. Whoever goes the furthest wins.
- Track size is 10 ft x 40 ft.
- Full Pull is 20 feet – To Be Determined on Day of Pull.
- In the event of rain, the Kids Tractor Pull will be cancelled.
- Prizes will be awarded.
Sections:
1. | Class 1 – 25 – 35 lbs |
2. | Class 2 – 35 – 50 lbs |
3. | Class 3 – 51 – 70 lbs |
4. | Class 4 – 71 – 100lbs |
Photography - Junior
Class 111 – Photography – Junior
Coordinator: Debra Tice (705-305-9910)
Sponsors: Laraine Smith and Phyllis Smith
Junior exhibitors are encouraged to enter in any older aged section including the
Youth (203) and Adult (19) Photography Classes.
No Exhibitor Fee Required
Entries are to be delivered to the Coldwater Community Centre between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, before the Fair. Judging will begin after arena closes on Thursday. You may use any type of camera.
Rules:
1. Colour prints – any size up to 8″ x 10″.
2. All photos must be mounted on bristol board with a minimum border of 1″. (not framed).
3. Your name, address and phone number must be clearly printed on the back of the bristol board.
4. Colour photos must be taken by the competitor within the last two years, whereas black and white photos have no year requirement.
5. “Amateur” means competitor cannot make more than 25% on photograph-related income to be able to enter.
6. Enter one photo only in each category.
7. Be sure to mark your entry tag with the class and the category.
There will be a ‘Best in Show Rosette’ for each class – Adult, Youth, and Junior. The criteria of judging are as follows:
- Technical Quality – Exposure, focusing, depth of field (sharpness)
- Subject matter – What appeals to you. Fill the viewfinder
- Composition Arrangement – use of elements, line shape, colour, form (do not put subject right in the middle of the shot)
- Impact or emotional appeal
The Overall Photography Award Winner selected from the 3 Best in Show will receive the “Cyril Martin Memorial Trophy”
Prizes: 1st: $5, 2nd: $4, 3rd: $3, 4th: $2, 5th: $1
Sections:
1. | Ages 5 to 7 years – Any Subject |
2. | Ages 8 to 10 years – Any Subject |
3. | Ages 11 to 13 years – Any Subject |
4. | Open Class – one picture only (your choice) Open to any age |
Pumpkin Decorating
Class 114: Pumpkin Decorating
Coordinators: Erika Bienert (705-835-2367)
Cheryl Judson (705-790-7144)
Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (corner of arena beside the stage)
Rules:
1. No kits or knives permitted.
2. Decorating is to be done only in the designated area.
Sections:
1. | Pumpkin Decorating – Ages 4-10 years Draw and decorate a face on a pumpkin, supplied free of charge, using any of the materials provided. Take your decorated pumpkin with you. Sponsorship: Coldwater Legion Ladies Auxiliary |
School Fair Dairy
Class 119 & 120 – School Fair Calf Show
Coordinator: – Sydney Robinson (705-427-3698)
Saturday at 1:00 p.m.
Registration: Prior to show with Coordinator
Open to children in elementary school (no 4-H members)
*Every Competitor will receive prize money
Class 119 – School Fair Dairy Calf Show
Prize: $15
Sections:
1. | Heifer calf born in 2026 |
School Fair Beef
Class 119 & 120 – School Fair Calf Show
Coordinator: – Sydney Robinson (705-427-3698)
Saturday at 1:00 p.m.
Registration: Prior to show with Coordinator
Open to children in elementary school (no 4-H members)
*Every Competitor will receive prize money
Class 120 – School Fair Beef Calf Show
Prize: $15
Sections:
1. | Bull or steer calf born in 2026 |
Scarecrow Competition
Class 106 – Scarecrow Competition
Coordinators: Marlene Limpright (705-331-6419)
Mary Thompson (437-345-3817)
Rules:
1. Scarecrow must be free standing
2. Scarecrow should depict the current theme, “Country Life”
3. Minimum height 3′; maximum height 6′
4. Bonus points for recycled materials
Prizes: 1st: $12, 2nd: $9, 3rd: $4
Sections:
1. | Kindergarten to Grade 3 |
2. | Grade 4 to Grade 8 |
Special Crafts
Class 102 – Special Crafts
Coordinators: Marlene Limpright (705-331-6419)
Mary Thompson (437-345-3817)
Judging will be done on look and creativity
Prizes: 1st: $8, 2nd: $6, 3rd: $4, 4th: $2
Sections:
1. | Create a toy out of recycled materials |
2. | Digital ad for the theme of the fair, "Country Life" |
3. | Submit a visual art assignment from school you are most proud of |
4. | Create a tie dye shirt |
Stuffed Pet Show
Class 115 – Stuffed Pet Show
Coordinators: Margaret-Anne Murray (705-686-7518)
Yvonne Sauve (705-718-8123)
Sunday at 10:00 a.m. (inside the arena at the stage area)
Registration at 9:30 a.m.
Rules:
1. Stuffed pets must be hugged and cuddled a lot.
2. Open to boys and girls up to 13 years of age.
3. You must have had your pets for a long time (not newly purchased).
4. The same pet can only be entered in one category.
Sponsored by: Coldwater Lions Club, Yvonne Sauve & Dentistry by Lifestyles
Prizes: 1st: $6, 2nd: $4, 3rd: $3
Sections:
1. | Stuffed pet that represents Fair theme "Country Life" |
2. | Homemade stuffed pet with a story |
3. | Most unusual stuffed pet |
4. | Most loved pet |
5. | Stuffed pet most resembling its owner |
Zucchini Drag Race
Class 108: Zucchini Drag Race
Coordinator: JoAnn Warren (705) 331-8469
Sunday at 11:00 a.m. (inside the arena)
Zucchini Drag Race – for kids and kids at heart (no age limit)
A gravity drag race on an incline track with decorated Zucchini Hot Rods
Registration and Decoration/Assembly at 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Drag Races begin at 11:00 a.m.
One weight class
Prizes: 1st prize: $20, 2nd prize: $10
What you need:
i. Decorated Zucchini (bring your own decorated zucchini or bring decorations to decorate a zucchini provided on-site).
A limited amount of decorations and zucchini will be available on-site.
ii. Wheels/base (provided onsite).
iii. Bring your enthusiasm, pit crew and cheering section!
Rules:
• Only one Zucchini per person.
• Each hot rod must be created from a single zucchini with the supplied wheels and base.
• The hot rods must be gravity-powered only.
• Zucchini hot rod width, including wheels must not exceed approximately 8 inches.
• Zucchini hot rod length, from nose to rear axle not to exceed approximately 12 inches.
• The zucchini hot rods will race down a ramp in groups. Race heats will continue until a winner is declared.
Decorating Your Zucchini Hot Rod:
• We recommend you decorate your zucchini hot rods at home, though we will provide zucchini and decoration options on-site.
• We would like our racers to be compostable so please no paint directly on vegetables.
• Recommended decorations include pipe cleaners, stickers, construction paper, glue, tape, toothpicks, small toy “drivers”, other vegetables etc.
