The Norwood fairgrounds are arguably among the best out there. The parcel of land was first used to host our famous annual fair back in 1880. Two years later the Agricultural Society purchased that five-acre field and have been expanding and improving it ever since.

Today the property can boast  of several attractive buildings, a number of show rings, what are undoubtedly the best washroom facilities of any fair in Ontario, good parking, and much more. Of course with all these amenities it makes sense that the grounds are used for more than just our annual Thanksgiving fair. The Norwood Fair grounds has hosted a variety of “other events” including 4-H shows, charitable events such as the Hospice Carnival, a variety of dog shows, the Asphodel Norwood Country Jamboree and more.

The first Norwood Jamboree was held on the grounds nearly 10 years ago and soon established itself as a popular summer time festival. The annual country music event has been going strong ever since. This year however extenuating circumstances have made it necessary for the organizers Albert, Carole, Lynn and Kevin Heffernan to take a break and cancel the show for 2026. This is not the end of the jamboree as they have promised to be back better than ever with some big name performers in 2027.          

The jamboree is the fulfilment of a dream of festival organizer Albert Heffernan (or Ab as he is better known). It was actually 20 years ago when Ab dreamed up the idea of creating a county music festival. It would take a further two years of planning and promotion before his vision finally took shape. Ab launched his first County Music Jamboree at the Lindsay fair grounds in July of 2008. After a successful run of eight years it was time for a change of venue and Ab found a perfect fit with The Norwood Agricultural Society and Asphodel-Norwood. 

Ab says it best in his own words:

“Ten years ago we were warmly welcomed by the community and held the first-annual Norwood Country Jamboree in July 2016. This has been and continues to be an incredible experience and we have made so many wonderful friends along the way. We want to take this opportunity to thank the fans who have attended and supported the jamboree over the years and we deeply appreciate all of the sponsors, volunteers, musicians and bands both past and present for making the shows possible. Lastly, to the Norwood Fair and Township of Asphodel-Norwood thank you for your hospitality and showing us what a great community you have! This is not goodbye; it is simply a thank you to everyone for the memories so far.”

Ab celebrated his 85th birthday earlier this year on Jan. 15, while the years might be creeping up a bit his enthusiasm remains as high as ever. Until we meet again in 2027 you are invited to drop by Kawartha Battery (his long established Peterborough business) and say hi.

For questions and information call 1-800-954-9998 or contact by email at info@norwoodcountryjamboree.com.

The Norwood Lions Club’s monthly breakfast will return to the Norwood Town Hall on Sunday, March 15 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. The local service club will be serving up traditional morning fare of scrambled eggs, pancakes (and real maple syrup), sausage, peameal bacon, beans, fruit, coffee, tea and juice. Cost is $13 for adults; Ages seven to 12 is $7 and age six and under eat for free. In honour of St. Patrick’s Day you are encouraged to get your green on and enjoy a hearty breakfast while supporting the club and its many community betterment projects. This will also be the club’s last breakfast for the season.

St. Patrick’s Day Dance

St. Paddy’s is a good time to celebrate all things Irish. Asphodel Norwood Fire Association is hosting a night of Irish fun on March 14 with a St. Patrick’s Day Dance at the Norwood Legion. Doors open at 8 p.m. Admission is $10 cash only at the door. 

Sweet Easter Fundraiser

St. Georges Anglican Church, 38 Bridge St., next door in Hastings is bringing its Butter Tart fundraiser back for Easter this year. The tarts, made by the Kawartha Butter Tart Factory come in four flavours: plain, raisin, pecan and one with chocolate and Skor bits. Simply preorder your tarts (in multiples of six for $6.50) by calling 705-295-2451 and then pick them up drive-thru style at the church between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Friday, March 27. Enjoy a little sweet indulgence this Easter while supporting a local church and a local business at the same time. Please place your orders soon to allow church volunteers time to get them ordered.

© Peterborough Examiner