The Minton-Gladmar fall fair will continue as long as there are people left to organize it, said Sharon Hibbard last week. She's one of about 15-20 organizers who start preparations in the spring for the Saturday, Sept. 25 fair.

The two small communities have lost a lot of people in recent years but a lot of enthusiasm is still left, she said.

"The whole idea of the fair is to try to bring families into our small community and have the small communities working together," she said. About 350 people usually turn out for the event, bringing their families and enjoying a family day, she said.

Hibbard said harvest is always a concern and will be this year, too. "We contend with it every year."

One of the special activities is the chili cookoff when surrounding towns compete with each other, said Hibbard. People from Radville, Lake Alma, Beaubier, Gladmar and Minton all compete. The chili is judged both by the audience in a people's choice contest and by a set of judges, and it's a fun thing, she said.

"We also have lots of things to keep the kids busy all day," she said. Among the activities planned for children are games and face painting, and a fire safety video to be shown by the Minton fire department.

The fair begins with breakfast at the Bordertown Saloon at 8 a.m., with a trade and craft sale at Hibbard Equipment from 10-3 p.m. The chili cookoff from 11:30-1 p.m. will be held in the Elks Hall.

The Saskatchewan barrel-racing jackpot will be held at 11 a.m. at the Minton rodeo grounds, with round-robin team roping at 1 p.m.

Comedian Gloria Stushnoff, Paul Bernard and kids roping will be held at the Elks Hall, with the funnelator on main street.

A chicken supper at Hibbard Equipment will be held from 4:30-6:30 p.m., with awards at 7 p.m. in the Elks Hall.

A cabaret with music by Prairie Travelers, follows the auction.