Thanks to the… lets call it nonsense (because this is a Friendly blog) that has taken over the politics of Champlain Township*, the VKH Horse & Buggy Parade — which, for 23-years, used to tour the town of Vankleek Hill, and brought in at least a thousand people to town, has been cancelled. Terminated. No more existing. But, instead of giving up on the idea, the organizers have changed the concept and created the first ever ‘Vankleek Hill Horse & Buggy Expo And Strawberry Social’.

Which I think is brilliant.

I was asked by The Review, our local paper [link to their homepage], to take photos of the new event. When I arrived at the Fair Grounds, one of the organizers told me to “make it look bigger than it is”… which, of course, made me worry a little.

As I walked around the Fair Grounds, looking for something to shoot, I realized pretty quickly that there was something missing. I found the strawberries and ice cream pretty quickly. And there was a decent crowd. But, like, where were all the horses and buggies?

So…how many horses does it take to make a ‘Horse & Buggy Expo And Strawberry Social’?

Well, this year being the First, the answer was seven horses, and two buggies — and they didn’t share.

Hey, not every Event VKH puts on is going to be a home-run. Especially the ‘first’, or a new one of anything. But, surprisingly, this years mini-Event turned out to be a solid double for the 300 people who made it to the Fair Grounds.

The organizers had each horse and rider / handler move past the crowded grandstand three times, at three different speeds. But first they were presented, and shown off to the crowd. The emcee then described, in detail, their tack and saddle choices. It was really interesting, and the crowd was really into it.

And, thanks to The Broken Kettle [link to their Facebook Page], a local bakery and ice creamery, there were lots of strawberries and ice cream.

So, yeah, I think an Expo can be as successful as a Parade. The idea is scalable, if a few things go right, and people understand what it’s about, it could be huge. The attendance proved there’s a market for it, and the Event organizers are smart, resourceful people.

…and, thanks to the Expo, little 2.5-year old Daniella got to touch a horse for the first time. So, I mean, it has to survive, right? Who doesn’t love children and horses… I mean, other than the people at the Township**.

Regardless. I did enjoy this little event, and I hope it gets bigger. So… click on a photo to get the carousel going. Or not. No pressure.

*…in my opinion. But don’t forget to vote [link: how to vote municipally in Ontario].

**…kidding. I’m almost positive sure they love children. And horses. But, seriously, vote.