There was something for everyone at the Department of Natural Resource’s 2009 Forest Fair.
The Fair, held in Corner Brook on April 24th and 25th, was hosted by the Department with support from the Model Forest of Newfoundland and Labrador. The theme of this year’s event was “From Tradition to Innovation,” and the Pepsi Studio was filled with exhibitors.
Over forty booths could be found at this year’s Fair. One of the features included a display from the Canadian Museum of Science and Technology in Ottawa, sponsored by the Canadian Forest Service. The interactive display, called Beyond the Trees, included a harvesting simulator and computerized forest management activities. Other exhibits ranged from tree planting with the Department of Natural Resources to snowshoeing demonstrations with the Pasadena Ski and Nature Trails.
“Forest Fair is a chance to show all the different uses of the forests,” said Jana Vokey, event organizer. “We are also trying to promote local forestry products and services.”
In addition to the exhibitions, a main stage also featured hourly demonstrations. Academy Canada showed visitors how to prepare moose meat chili and Newfoundland berry tarts, Bay of Islands Search and Rescue demonstrated the use of rescue dogs, and Corner Brook Pulp and Paper illustrated the importance of chainsaw safety. Forestry equipment, such as a harvester and fire fighting tools, were also on display.
The Fair received approximately 4000 visitors, including 900 students from the region who visited on Friday. The Corner Brook Regional High School Jazz Band performed at the opening ceremonies on Friday morning, where the Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Child, Youth and Family Services opened the Fair.
Saturday was also a flurry of activity, with mascots Marti the Pine Marten, Smokey the Bear, and NRCat entertaining children, wood-turning demonstrations, and carpentry projects with Academy Canada students. A mini-lumberjack competition was also held, where teams of two tested their log-sawing abilities.
“This event has something for everyone – from scientific displays to equipment demonstrations,” said Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Natural Resources. “Our annual forest fair is a chance for us to educate school-aged children about the importance of the resource and the career possibilities, as well as promote the wide range of local products produced here.”