Pin Oak Fair
Dodgem cars, fairy floss, toffee apples, face painting and baby animals – the Oxley College Pin Oak Fair had it all!
Despite it being a dull and drizzly Highlands day, the Oxley community came out in force to join in all the fun of the Fair on Saturday 4 November.
The Oxley College Pipe Band, resplendent in their new winter uniform, opened the Fair by marching through the College grounds and playing for the crowds as they arrived.
In addition to the 30 plus market stalls that were scattered throughout the grounds of the College, the P&F had many parents running other stalls including High Teas, Second-hand Ladies Clothing, Books, Lollies, the Hungry Ox BBQ and a plant stall.
Sideshow Alley in the Junior School was great fun, with younger students having a go at Tin Can Alley and Knock ’Em Down, while also getting their faces painted and being entertained by storytellers in the big bell tent.
The Emerge Art Show held a preview on Friday evening, with works by parents Alison Fraser and Kirsten Deakin proving to be popular amongst the attendees. Scott Bedingfield, Head of College, took the opportunity to launch the book celebrating 40 years of Oxley – ‘to think, to dare, to dream’ and thanked writer Amanda Mackevicius for her efforts in producing such a comprehensive publication.
While Pin Oak Fair patrons were enjoying pots of tea and scones up on the Elvo verandah, some very brave members of the Oxley staff were fully immersing themselves in cold water as they kindly volunteered to be ‘victims’ atop the dunk tank. Students lined up, happy to part with $5 for two throws, and eagerly pitched the ball at the target, hoping to hit the bullseye and drop the teacher in the drink! Thanks to Mr Case, Mr Bevan, Mr Dibdin, Mr Gauchat and Mrs Gauchat for being such great sports.
At midday, the Pooches of Pin Oak parade took place on the red carpet, with local vets and Oxley parents Charlie Carter and Chris Watson kindly offering their expertise to judge this event. Owners led their dressed up pooches down the ‘dog walk’ with many pets finding it challenging to walk in an Oxley shirt, tutu or hockey skirt. A diverse range of canine species was represented in the parade including oodles of poodles, border collies, dachshunds and labradors. Otto the dachshund was declared the winner of the parade, though all the participants received a pack of treats kindly donated by We Know Pets.
The donation of time and effort by Oxley families volunteering on the day contributed to the great community feeling and energy of the Pin Oak Fair. Over 280 parents signed up to volunteer or helped out on the day! Thank you for playing a part in making this event come to life.
Back when planning commenced in 2022, the P&F set out to organise an event that celebrated Oxley’s 40th birthday and enabled reconnection amongst our entire Oxley community. Thanks to the generosity of local businesses who donated goods and the many parents and staff members who were involved on the day, I think it could be said that we achieved our goal and the Pin Oak Fair 2023 was a great success.
Mrs Megan Moore
President, Parents and Friends Association
