CHARLOTTETOWN, Canada – Screams of excitement, shouts of encouragement and squeals of amusement prevailed at Old Home Week, the provincial exhibition on Prince Edward Island from August 10-18.

Amusement rides hurled the most daring thrill-seekers toward the sky in flimsy-looking seats. Youngsters seeking gentler treatment tried the merry-go-round or a long slide. For an offbeat experience, others tested sting-free rides on larger-than-life bumblebees.

Each day, crowds flocked to the fairgrounds at the Charlottetown Civic Centre and the adjacent Charlottetown Driving Park Entertainment Centre. Music stars performed indoors. Just outside, fleet-footed racehorses competed to the thrills of some punters and the anguish of others.

Nearby, different games of chance relied upon rolled balls, tossed hoops and whimsical Lady Luck. Tangible tensions surrounded the bingo tables.

If too much excitement proved overwhelming, even tiring, the participants paused for tasty treats. Ice-cream cones proved popular.

Comedic jugglers Brian Wilson and Nick Miller, dubbed The Cowguys, took an overhead view by wearing stilts. “We’re from Ottawa,” they told the folks passing below. “Not everyone from there is tall like us.”

Inside the Civic Centre, cows, poultry, horses and other animals competed in contests of beauty or skill. Some protested at being groomed by their humans. Others gladly socialized between cages.

With so much happening, one tough decision nagged at the fairgoers all week: what to see and do next.


Published Later: Day at the Fair Memorable All Year, September 16, 2009


Heads turn as a horse race heads home.


A majestic horse and rider strut their stuff.


A stop in the winner's circle turns heads.


Different varieties of youngsters gather.


Some animals protest at being groomed.


Critters gladly gab between cages.


The Cowguys stand taller than most.

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