CARP — Allison Argue made her last appearance June 24th at what could be Strawfest’s final competition fair.

"There’s a good chance this could be our last year but right now it depends on sponsorship," said Barry Stewart, founder of Strawfest, which was held for the sixth year at Carp, west of Ottawa.

"This year went off with no hitches and all the bills are covered. But it’s like any other fair, we need funds to continue."

If there isn’t enough money donated by sponsors, Strawfest can’t afford the facilities and events, but it’s still too early to tell for sure what’s in store for next season.

The new lawn tractor pull was an entertaining addition Stewart said. "This year we had excellent quality with no holes in any category."

Argue won the Grand Champion Showperson, Showmanship Senior Champion, Angus Champion and the Supreme Champion Female.

Argue is finished though because she will be 21 before next year’s competition. She plans to stay in the agriculture industry and is going into her fourth year of agriculture and business at the University of Guelph.

Allison credits her success to hard work, experience and lots of practise.
"Do your homework at home, clean and practice before you come to the show so the animal is ready and good with the crowd," she said. "The more experience an animal has, the better they act."

Argue has competed at Strawfest for the last six years, ever since it’s been in Carp. She enjoyed her 4-H experience, the friends she has made, and is proud of her accomplishments.

In 2003 and 2004, Argue won Grand Champion Showperson but was beaten in 2005 by Ryan Enright.

The Enright brothers from Renfrew had another strong year at Strawfest and will all return in 2007 for Ryan’s final year before aging out.

Ryan said the keys to success are "Hard work and dedication. Wash and dry your animals at home before the show."

He likes Strawfest because he always learns something new. "Today I learned how to have patience, which is key in a competition like this when there are so many cows."

After Ryan is done, his 14-year-old sister will replace him. She competed this year but didn’t make the winner’s circle because she was in the same group as her twin brothers.

STRAWFEST WINNERS

Showmanship:

Grand Champion:
Allison Argue,

Allison Argue,

Dunrobin, ON

Emily Grey, Cookshire, QC

Robert Enright,

Renfrew ON

Sean Enright,

Renfrew ON

Blair Allnutt,

Renfrew ON

Klye Fisher,

Richmond ON

Montana Roddick,

Paris ON

Elizabeth Elliott,

Arnprior ON

Simmental Champion:
Emily Grey,

Jenna Findlay, Kars ON

Allison Argue,

Dunrobin ON

Scott Matthews,

Navan ON

Melaine Briscoe,

Renfrew ON

Amy McKinley, Brockville ON

Emily Gibson, Ripley ON

Robert Enright,

Renfrew ON

Allison Argue,

Dunrobin ON

Scott Matthews,
Navan ON

Matt Van Esse, Thamesville ON

Travis MacPherson, Lucknow ON