June 11, 1955 was a day that kicked off an event destined to become one of the most popular and longest standing events in the history of the Applewood Acres community, The June Fair.
Originally known as the Westacres June Fair and Field Day, the event was held in conjunction with a fair sponsored by the Home and School Association. Exhibitions of volleyball, skill and stick gymnastics and track and field events were billed as the main athletic program while the day’s fun fair started off with folk dancing. There were fish ponds, pony rides and a miniature train ride for the children.
The school’s classes were divided into three ‘house’ sections for the athletic competitions. Each section chose one of three names, Stewart, Graham or Kennedy, which were all prominent family names from this area of Toronto Township. The idea was that each team would carry its own colours and at the end of the day, the victorious ‘house’ would be named. One of the Stewarts actually was on hand to present one of the trophies. The opening ceremonies were performed by R.E. Cole, recently elected Chairman of the South Peel Board of Education.
Kennedy House took top place for the day with 570.5 points, Stewart House was second with 535 points while Graham House placed third with 499.5 points. Dick Runstedler was named the most outstanding boy in competition while Gaye Hall was top girl.
Trophies were presented to the school for house champions, given by W.L.A. Pope; boys’ relay trophy given by John H. Aiken; girls’ relay trophy given by Max Smith. The girls’ field day champion trophy was awarded by H.B. Stewart while the boys’ trophy was awarded by J. M. Milne.
Citizenship awards, given by the Home and School Association, were presented to the boy and girl chosen by their classmates as best exemplifying good citizenship. These were presented to Linda Austin, grade seven, and Carol Elliott, grade eight.
While the first Fair was held the second weekend of the month, the June Fair started its traditional first weekend of June format on June 2, 1956. The June Fair has become very much a part of the culture of the school and involves many volunteer hours for staff, parents and teachers. Planning of the event starts in September to culminate on the first Saturday in June.
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