163rd Elmvale Fall Fair – the Canadian Made Celebration of Community and Tradition
By Tanya King, Flos Agricultural President
Oct. 24, 2025
As the colourful leaves of October settled across Springwater Township, the village of Elmvale came alive once again for our 163rd Elmvale Fall Fair, held Friday, October 10, and Saturday, October 11. This beloved tradition hosted by the Flos Agricultural Society is more than just an event; it’s a homecoming for many who return to reconnect, reminisce and celebrate the harvest season with family, friends and neighbours.
This year’s theme, Canadian Made, was proudly on display throughout the fairgrounds, from handcrafted exhibits to the powerful symbolism in our parades and showcases.
Friday kicked off with the ever energetic school parade, where over 2000 students march thru the streets of Elmvale, dressed in spirited costumes and cheering with enthusiasm. Elmvale District High School’s house teams brought fierce float building and marching competitions, showing off creativity, school pride and teamwork in full force.
On Saturday, the monster parade took over, featuring many vibrant floats, and two energetic bands, drawing smiles and applauses from parade goers of all ages lining the street.
The senior and junior fair entries filled the arena and curling club with the scent of fresh baking, the beauty of handpicked flowers, the craftsmanship of many handmade items, and the rich colours of homegrown produce and preserves. Entries from all ages and skill levels demonstrated the pride and tradition that makes our fair so unique.
On Friday, 4-H clubs showcased their hard work with impressive displays of livestock and grains. The pony show and sheep show were both well attended, giving visitors the chance to learn and appreciate the dedication behind raising and showing animals.
Saturday schedule brought the thunder of the heavy horse show in the morning, followed by the dairy and beef shows continuing our proud agricultural legacy. The fairgrounds showcased a small animal display that offered families an up and close opportunity to interact with animals of all shapes and sizes.
A crowd favourite the baby show, warmed hearts as our communities youngest members took the stage. Always a treasured event, it reminded us that the future of the fair and our community is bright.
Our indoor and outdoor vendor areas were bustling all weekend, offering everything from local crafts and goods to agricultural equipment and services. The food vendors kept us well-fed with delicious offerings, satisfying every craving with their tempting menus.
The midway was full of life, laughter and excitement, as families enjoyed the rides, games and treats that make the fair a special place for kids and kids at heart.
Then there was the entertainment that brought us together; the weekends entertainment lineup was a true highlight, showcasing, incredible local talent. Headlining the stage was our own hometown star, Graham Scott Fleming, joined by performances from Gwyneth Covey, the HCES and EDHS choirs and bands, Ron Whitman, the Northern Jewels Cloggers and the ever enchanting magician Gary Austin, none of whom disappointed!
Friday night’s antique tractor pull and Saturday’s modified truck and tractor pull brought roaring engines and cheering crowds, showing off the raw power and skill involved in these crowd favourite events.
We were also proud to introduce our new ambassadors who represent the fair for 2025–2026: Eliza, Lucy, Max, Peyton and Lexxy a group of amazing young leaders who embody the spirit and future of our community.
Thank you to our volunteers and sponsors. The 163rd Elmvale Fall Fair wouldn’t be possible without the tireless dedication of our directors, committee members and countless volunteers who gave their time and energy, not only during the fair, but in the many weeks of preparation and post event cleanup.
We also extend our deepest appreciation to our financial sponsors, whose generous contributions help us continue to offer a fair that grows in quality and impact each year. Your support allows us to keep traditions alive while creating new memories for generations to come.
To everyone who marched, performed, exhibited, pulled, attended or simply cheered us on thank you. Your support celebrates not just our agricultural roots, but the deep sense of community that defines Elmvale and the surrounding area.
With perfect autumn weather and a spirit of togetherness, this year’s fair was a beautiful reminder of what makes our town so special. Here’s to tradition, to homecoming and to being Canadian Made.
Can’t wait to see you next year!
FLOS AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY
2025 AWARD WINNERS
Ambassador Contest:
Winner: Eliza Graham; 1st Runner-up: Lucy Grummett
Jr. Ambassador Contest:
Winner: Max Stones
Runners-up: Lexxy Edmonds &Payton Rowland
Best Rural Display:
Winner : Alicia Spence
Residential Decorating Contest:
Winner: Karen Locke & Brian Lambie
Business Decorating Contest:
Winner: Four Corner Tea Room
Junior Fair:
Elementary Student with the most points Winner: Annie Stroud, HCES
Pony Show:
High Point Pony & Rider: Hannah Mooney
Baby Show:
Sweepstakes Baby: Scarlett Guarino, Tiny Twp.
Junior Pedal Tractor Pull
Class 1 winner: Tiatgo Campo
Class 2 winner: Harvey Wittick
Class 3 winner: Tave Cobbett
Class 4 winner: Emmett Lees
Bicycle Draw: (Donated by Elmvale Maple Syrup Committee)
Winner: Finn Trace
Sheep Show:
Overall Grand Champion Ram: Derrick Robertson
Overall Grand Champion Breeder’s Flock: Leo Atkinson
Market Lambs:Alexa Livingston
Overall Grand Champion Ewe : Garry Milne
Overall Grand Champion Get-Of-Sire: Chris Atkinson
Top Youth Showperson:Olivia Livingston
4-H Achievement Day:
Beef Club:
Champion Calf: Brooklyn Cramp
Champion Showperson: Brooklyn Cramp
Elmvale Dairy Club:
Grand Champion Animal: Grace Finch
Champion Showperson: Emi Lange
Champion Jersey Calf: Landry Jones
Overall Grand Champion 4-H Showperson: Emi Lange
Reserve Grand Champion 4-H Showperson: Brooklyn Cramp
Things From the Past:
Best Antique entry: Dianne Doan
Flowers:
New Exhibitor Award: Rebecca Elliott
Domestic Science:
OAAS Butter Tart class: Heather O’Neill
New Exhibitor Award: Samantha Wesson
Exhibitor winning the most points in the Domestic Science Section, sponsored by PineRitch Fur Farm Ltd: Jean Jolie
Handcrafts:
Elaine Parnell Memorial Quilt of the Fair:Karen Street
Bea Lambie Memorial Quilt: Cheryl Webb
Phelpston Quilter’s Special: Frank Klucowicz
New Exhibitor Award: Pamela Burt
Exhibitor winning the most points in the Handcraft Section: Ricky Hummelink
Memorial: Jennifer Klucowicz
Grain & Forage:
4-H Exhibitor with the most points : Carina Jones
Field & Garden Produce
Exhibitor with the highest points:
Linda Marchant
Heavy Horse Show:
Best Foal on the Grounds: Kent Bruce
Best Horse on the Grounds: Kent Bruce
Beef Show:
OVERALL CHAMPIONS:
Grand Champion Bull: Lori Chalmers
Grand Champion Female: Medonte Highlands
Breeder’s Herd & Get-Of-Sire: Chester Tupling
Jacob Martin memorial Banner: Best Cow-calf pair –British breeds. Medonte Highlands
Dairy Show:
Class 15-1: Holsteins
Champion Jr Female: Emi Lange
Champion Sr Female: Jay Robertson
Best Herd: Arway Farms
Class 15-1: Other Dairy Breeds
Champion & Reserve Jr Female: Mark & Julie Parnell
Parade Winners:
Business: Adamson Tree Service
Church: Elmvale Presbyterian Church
Community Entry: Elevate Dance Company
Family entry: Morgan “Mugs” Adams Memorial Float
2025 Mary Bertram Memorial Baby Show at 163rd Elmvale Fall Fair
By Jane Lees, Oct. 15, 2025
The “Mary Bertram Memorial Baby Show” was once again a success at the Elmvale Fall Fair, held Friday, October 10th. There was a great turnout with 34 babies registered in the show, amongst the 3 classes.
In the first class, 0-6 months, the winners were (1) Scarlett Guarino, 5 months, Tiny (2) Lucas Gerrior, 5 months, Orillia (3) Sage King, 3 months, Midland.
In the second class, 6-12 months, the winners were (1) Josephine Truax, 9 months, Elmvale (2) Ares Palmer, 12 months, Midland (3) Ren Tinney, 9 months, Elmvale.
In the third class, 12-18 months, the winners were (1) R.J. Doan, 13 months, Elmvale (2) Everley Daykin, 15 months, Elmvale (3) Avery Langman, 13 months, Elmvale.
The prize for the youngest baby boy went to Owen Ritchie, 2 months, of Elmvale, and the youngest baby girl Lennon Playne, 13 days of Elmvale. We had no multiple births this year.
The Sweepstakes winner of the “Mary Bertram Memorial” plaque was Scarlett Guarino, daughter of Becca Bonney & Victor Guarino of Tiny, On.
A big thank you goes out to the moms/dads, friends & relatives that entered babies in the show. Without them, the show would not happen.
A very Special Thank you goes out to the following Business’ and individuals that donated gifts for the Show: Elm Flower Shoppe, Yonge St. S., Elmvale, Scotiabank, Barrie Financial Centre, 44 Collier St., Barrie, Essentials Salon, 19 Queen St. W., Elmvale, TD/Canada Trust, Pam Kutasienski, Wasaga Beach, Fleming Electric, Elmvale, Century Masonry, Elmvale, Scottland Tire & Auto, Barrie, Foodland, Yonge St. N., Elmvale, Elan Pizza, Hillsdale, Jim & Jacquie Spence, Elmvale, Superior Facility Services, Yonge St. S., Elmvale, Butler’s Pantry, Elmvale, McLaren Equipment, Horseshoe Valley Rd. & Highway 27, Phelpston,Tizz’Me Designs, Elmvale, Edgecombe Construction, Elmvale, Klink’s A Team Mechanical, Elmvale, The Old Corner Store, Hillsdale, Norwex ~ Nancy Adams-Lefaive, Wyebridge, Four Corner Tea Room, Elmvale, Motivationz Fitness, Elmvale, Pharmasave, Elmvale and The Flos Agricultural Society, Elmvale.
Elmvale farm transformed from naked land into natural oasis brimming with life
By: Wayne Doyle, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Source: BarrieToday.com, Oct 15, 2025
About a half-hour north of Barrie, on a small farm just outside the village of Elmvale, one man has spent a large part of his adult life creating his own utopia.
Purchased 50 years ago by his father at his request when he was in Grade 8, Dr. William Shotyk has transformed a simple, naked piece of land into a natural oasis that teems with life forms that have been lured to the farm because of its idyllic man-made habitat.
Shotyk started the transformation with trees — many, many trees.
“I started when I was in high school in 1975,” he told the audience that gathered at the Elmvale Community Hall last night to hear his presentation, titled ‘Celebrate nature: 50 years of ecological restoration in the Wye River Watershed.’
“We planted 2,000 white spruce and red oak, and that was my first summer living at the farm. It was a wonderful place for a young person from Toronto to live for the summer,” he added. “That’s really when I fell in love with the farm.”
Born and raised in Toronto, Shotyk returned to the 72-acre farm a couple of years later with 16 of his pals to plant more trees — seedlings he purchased from the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) nursery in Midhurst, which was shuttered in 1996.
He paid one penny for each seedling.
“We planted 5,000 seedlings all around the farm property,” he recalled. “We all slept in the old hay barn.
“I know they’ve forgiven me for all that hard work,” Shotyk added with a laugh.
Ten years would pass before Shotyk would return.
He was off to university to pursue an education in agriculture, first at the University of Guelph, where he completed his bachelor’s degree in 1981 and then the University of Western Ontario where he earned his PhD in 1986.
Shotyk recalls visiting the farm once, around the time he earned his doctorate, to thin out the spruce trees.
A year later, he cut down some of the trees and sold them at a gas station as Christmas trees. He sold enough of them to cover the cost of an airline ticket to California, where he had secured a position doing scientific research at the University of California Riverside.
A year later, he was back at Western.
From there, Shotyk joined the Geological Institute at the University of Berne, Switzerland. In 2000, he was hired by the University of Heidelberg as a professor. He became the director of the Institute of Environmental Geochemistry. Since 2011, he has held the position of Bocock chair in agriculture and environment at the University of Alberta.
Before he went to Europe, he entered into a Woodland Improvement Act agreement with the MNR, which would see the ministry plant almost 14,000 spruce trees on the farm.
Today, the farm is home to more than 25,000 trees, and includes more than 50 species. They all contribute to a healthier, more sustainable ecosystem.
According to Shotyk, trees protect crops, livestock buildings and conserve moisture. They also provide a habitat for birds, which consume insect pests, a benefit for farmers, and they also remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
“When I was born in 1958, the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere was 315 parts per million,” Shotyk said. “Today, we’re at 426 parts per million.
“Those trees that we plant are removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping to battle climate change,” he added.
By his own calculation, Shotyk says that by planting so many trees, he’s offset his own carbon footprint for the next 300 years.
With the forestry component of the property taken care of, Shotyk turned his attention to other matters. In 2016, he started to work with Ducks Unlimited to build a wetland on the property.
In the fall of that year, it was nothing more than a hole in the ground. The following spring, it was full of water and that’s when things really began to happen, Shotyk said.
“Immediately, the frogs arrived,” he said. “I don’t know how they found it, but they did, and the water turned black with tadpoles and lots of waterfowl.”
A variety of plants began to take root. A painted turtle arrived, followed by snapping turtles.
“I have no idea how the painted turtle found the wetland in the middle of the farm, but it did,” Shotyk said. “I’m pretty sure the snapping turtles spend their winter in that wetland, because when I arrive in May, they’re slowly dragging themselves out of the wetland to go back to the Wye River.”
But it’s the birds that have captured Shotyk’s attention. He said the farm has played host to 145 species of birds, including bluebirds, meadowlarks, green herons, trumpeter swans and, the ultimate reward, a pair of bald eagles that made their first appearance last year.
“Why is it so incredible to have bald eagles on our farm? Because they were almost wiped out by DDT,” he said of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, which is a man-made insecticide once widely used for pest control, but is now banned in most countries due to its environmental persistence and negative health effects.
“If you look at the bald eagle population in the early 1960s, there was almost nothing there. Nobody would see a bald eagle in Elmvale, Ont.”
Orr Lake Ratepayers Association is Back
This group of dedicated volunteers have reactivated the Orr Lake Ratepayers Association. As the new Board of Directors, they have adopted the motto “Lake First, Community Always”.
In the spring, ORLA will be canvassing for membership and look forward to hearing from you as the community unites to keep Orr Lake healthy and happy.
Local church celebrates 165 years
By Marlene Lambie, Oct. 17, 2025
“Generations of Faith: Honouring the Past, Embracing the Future”. Elmvale Presbyterian Church (EPC) is celebrating 165 years of worship as a faith community on November 2, 2025. You are invited to come and join the celebration.
Throughout the years, many generations have worshipped, been married, had children baptized, said goodbye to loved ones sharing laughter and tears within the walls. Many children have grown in their faith as a result of faithful Sunday School teachers who brought the word of God to them through stories, craft and song. Groups of many different forms gave the youth of the generations a time to be together with others to sing as a choir, play baseball, do crafts, have a meal all the while learning about their faith and how to deal with the challenges of life. Several of the participants in these youth activities went on to become ministers or missionaries to spread the Good News of the gospel and nurture others in their faith.
Mission has been a focus for the church families from the beginning and has been sustained and nurtured to present day. Over the years, funds have been raised or material goods accumulated for many in need locally, nationally and internationally. The community of Elmvale and surrounding area has always been an important part of the outreach of EPC and has supported our mission events. In recent years at Christmas, a free turkey dinner has been held so that anyone who is alone at that time can find fellowship and comfort. Food and fellowship again being the reason, many of the community and surrounding area come together on the 2nd Thursday of each month for Let’s do Lunch. Many BBQs and dinners have been held, food and fellowship offered and enjoyed by the community to raise funds in aid of a local project or need, national wildfire disasters, international earthquake devastation, in support of our local hospitals, shelters and care facilities. Sports teams and school breakfast programs have also been assisted in their ventures. Items have been crafted for distribution overseas, for national missions and for the use of those at local shelters.
The ministry of music has been an important part of the life of EPC. A choir, accompanied by a piano or organ, has always led the congregation in singing praises and added to the service with an anthem, practiced on a Thursday night. We have been blessed, over the years, to have had talented, faithful music directors/organists to lead us. Many musical evenings have been a source of community gatherings.
We know we are one of many churches with the same attributes as EPC, but, when so many churches have had to close their doors,165 years of faithful worship is a milestone to celebrate and with God’s blessing we will continue to carry on His vision for us, love and care for each other and welcome all who enter.