For the past three years, Mother Nature has tried to be a party pooper when it comes to the annual two-day Orangeville Founders’ Fair; disrupting the festivities with frequent rain.

Even though the forecast calls for isolated thunderstorms on Friday, when the fair opens, and for a cloudy Saturday, history says wet weather will fail to dampen the spirits of the participants and the attendees.

Attendance at the fair, which is put on by the Orangeville Business Improvement Area (BIA), has been increasing, says BIA event co-ordinator Christine Patton, who also points out vendors at this year's Market on Broadway are reporting sales increases in spite of a series of rain-drenched Saturdays during the month of June.

“The turnout has been excellent,” said Ms. Patton, “even though the weather hasn’t been on our side.”

Participating BIA merchants will be combining on a sidewalk sale on both days, making Broadway a veritable Mecca for bargain hunters.

Town Crier Betty Kading will officially open Founder’s Fair on Friday, followed by an acrobatic fire show from A Different Spin.

A local band, the Campfire Poets, will perform on the Silverbrook Homes/ MacMaster Pontiac Buick main stage. On Saturday, Riddim Forward and The Mainlander take to the stage.

For the kids, an innovation this year will be a real 19th- Century canon launching pieces of candy over fifty feet into the air, and children, and adults for that matter, are welcome to scavenge the flavourful shrapnel.

Also on hand will be the magician Mysterion, as well as international children’s recording artist Jerry Tallon, Orangeville’s Rising Stars and various dance troops will perform throughout the two days of Founder’s Fair..

The athleticallyinclined will be welcome to try their prowess on a rock climbing wall, test their aim in the paintball tent, or.learn how to juggle.

Pony rides, petting zoo, midway rides, and much more will keep all ages entertained throughout the two day event.

On Saturday evening, Eric Rock will once again be hosting the Saturday Night Street Dance on the Main Stage. The Tim McIntosh Project, and others, will entertain and the Founder’s Fair will come to a blazing finale when A Different Spin will once again appear before the crowd with their fire show.

For more information, call 519-942-0087 or visit the BIA website at www. discoverbroadway.ca.

Meanwhile, a farewell party was held for departed BIA executive director Jacqueline Bayley Tuesday night at Pia's Bakery on Broadway.

Ms. Bayley resigned her post April 23 to take a job in Cambridge. The BIA has no immediate plans to replace her. Ms.Patton and office administrator Alison Scheel are currently handling the day-to-day operations of the BIA.

Ms. Bayley “was a great mentor.” said Ms. Patton, “She taught me a lot and provided a good foundation for all the events.

“I'll be following her blueprint.”