| AUGUST 18, 2006 -- There was something of interest for all ages at the Ekonk Community Grange Fair, this past Saturday in Sterling. Crocheted blankets and handmade jewelry, as well as collectables, flowers and other items were on display by local residents, hoping to win first prize.
Homemade baked goods made it hard for some to resist a cookie... or three. Children were instructed on the proper way to ride a bicycle and the need for safety. Games such as Bike Rodeo and Tractor Pull inspired the competitive spirit in some of the young ones. Lily Lachpelle of Sterling won first place in the Tractor Pull.
"It feels good because I got first place over a boy," she said. Cricket the Clown entertained children by making balloon animals. One such creation was a fish on a pole, made for young Andrew Hawkin of Sterling, who said he goes fishing a lot with his dad.
The focus and goal of the work done by members, said Ekonk Grange President Jody Cameron, is to "promote the family." He pointed to the motto on the grange t-shirt , which states, "Where Families Grow."
"Our belief is if you keep a kid happy, you keep a parent happy. We win as an organization and a community," he said.
A table was set up with donated raffle prizes to raise money for the annual Sterling Family Day, scheduled this year for Sept. 9. The money will be used to pay for fireworks and children's games.
"People have wonderful hearts," said volunteer Sharon Chviek. "They are very caring, very giving and we appreciate it."
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