Have you ever been to real country fairs? If you have, you know how they feel, smell, taste, sound.

If you haven’t – well, it’s time.

The Delta Fair, in Delta, about a half-hour drive from Westport, begins July 23 and runs until July 26. This year, its 179th, will be as wonderful as always.

There’s a midway, of course. There’s a baby show, animal shows, pet shows, a pie auction, two King and Queen pageants (one for children); a talent show, children’s races and activities.

The parade begins at 2 p.m. in the fairgrounds on Saturday (July 25). There will be grandstand performances on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights (July 24, 2, and 26) featuring “Buddy Holly Live”, Kim Mitchell, and Ronnie Prophet.

You’ve never been there? You might be sorry if you miss it. It’s fun!

Also happening this weekend, on Saturday, July 25, is the Chaffey’s Lock Craft Market, with more than 40 artists and craftspeople on the lawns of the Opinicon Hotel, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine.

In another direction, at the Maberly Community Hall, there will be a Contra and Square Dance (on Saturday, July 25). If you’re a beginner, you might want to go at 7:30 for a lesson. The dance actually begins at 8. It’s open to all ages, and no experience is necessary. The musicians will be Sheesham and Lotus on fiddle and banjo.

There will be music in Elgin, too, on Friday, July 24. It will be a benefit concert held at Elgin United Church: “Both Sides Now: Poulenc to Porter”, featuring Edrie Means Weekly, soprano, and Margaret Ross, pianist. It begins at 7:30 p.m. Donations will help people in need of dental services.

On the long weekend (Friday, July 31 to Monday, Aug. 3), you can still go to a country fair if you missed the one in Delta. Or, of course, if you liked the one in Delta, you can revisit the fun in Lombardy. It will be held at the Lombardy Fair Grounds, also with top entertainment Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings at the grandstand.

If you’re hungry that weekend, you can go to the Chaffey’s Lock Annual Corn Roast on Saturday, Aug. 1 starting at noon at the lock; or, on the same day, to the Annual Chicken barbecue in Portland, starting at 4 p.m. at the Portland Community Centre.

In Westport on Saturday, Aug. 1, you can feast your eyes on antique cars, trucks, tractors, and carriages at the Westport Free Methodist Church, 85 Bedford Street, beginning at 10 a.m. Bring your camera!

Ssssss….ssssnakes! If you like them (or even if you’re not sure), come and visit them on Friday, July 17 at 10 a.m. They’ll be at Westport United Church Hall in a demonstration by Reptiles at Risk (www.reptilesatrisk.org ). We have a ssssneaky feeling children and grandchildren will be fascinated by them.

On Saturday evening, take a short trip to beautiful Foley Mountain for a performance of Ghosts and Echoes of the Rideau, presented by the Parks Canada Players. The play begins at 8 p.m. If you miss the ghost story this weekend, you’ll be able to catch it next Saturday (July 25) at the Jones Falls Lockstation.

Good music and local talent make for great celebration. On Sunday, July 19, Mike Freeman and Glenn Foster will celebrate the release of their CD, Pilot Me, at Westport United Church. The men, long-time accomplished musicians, sing wonderful old-fashioned country Gospel songs. There will be refreshments. All free-will offerings will go to various projects of the United Church. Ssssss….ssssnakes! If you like them (or even if you’re not sure), come and visit them on Friday, July 17 at 10 a.m. They’ll be at Westport United Church Hall in a demonstration by Reptiles at Risk (www.reptilesatrisk.org ). We have a ssssneaky feeling children and grandchildren will be fascinated by them.

On Saturday evening, take a short trip to beautiful Foley Mountain for a performance of Ghosts and Echoes of the Rideau, presented by the Parks Canada Players. The play begins at 8 p.m. If you miss it this weekend, you’ll be able to catch it next Saturday (July 25) at the Jones Falls Lockstation.

Good music and local talent make for great celebration. On Sunday, July 19, Mike Freeman and Glenn Foster will celebrate the release of their CD, Pilot Me, at Westport United Church. The men, long-time accomplished musicians, sing wonderful old-fashioned country Gospel songs. There will be refreshments. All free-will offerings will go to various projects of the United Church.

Get your sunglasses, lawn chairs, fishing rods and camera. It’s going to be a lively time.

July 10, 11 and 12 is Family Fishing Weekend in Ontario (which means Canadians don’t need a license). And where’s the best place in the world to fish? You’ve got it. Westport and all the many Rideau lakes. Go get ‘em!

In Elgin, about 15 minutes away from Westport by car, the town will be hopping with the annual “Elgin Days” on Saturday and Sunday (July 11 and 12). This is a happy family-centred event with a parade, air-castles and climbers for children, yard sales, outdoor music, a horseshoe tournament, a big chicken barbecue and even bowling.

Also in Elgin is a Friday evening “Fun-Run”. You don’t have to be a runner to do this (although seasoned runners love it). All you have to do is to show up and see what you can do. Registration begins at 6 p.m. (July 10) at Rideau District High School.

If you’d like a leisurely drive to pretty heritage Perth, about half an hour from Westport, you’ll see Art on the Lawn, presented by Rideau Lakes Artists’ Association. There will be works by more than 30 artists at 3054 Rideau Ferry Road from 10 to 5 on Saturday and Sunday.

It’s the good old summertime in Westport once more. We hope to see you!