Rooted in Tradition, Growing for Tomorrow
2015
&
Exhibitions
The Growing Importance of
BC Aquaculture
50 Fairs
to choose from Look Inside for more info
We gratefully acknowledge the financial support for this publication, by the Province of British Columbia
Minister’s Message There is always a feeling of excitement when you visit your local British Columbia agriculture fair. It is the perfect opportunity to leave your portable devices at home, get outside, and spend some quality time with the family while supporting your local economy. It is a strong tradition that began in 1861 when the first agriculture fair was held in Victoria. Today, there are about 50 fairs that take place in communities throughout the province beginning in May right through until the end of September. The B.C. Government supports the industry through initiatives such as the Buy Local Program where we have invested $6 million in funding since 2012. Agriculture fairs are the perfect venue to try some locally grown and produced food. We are continuing to create more jobs and opportunities for farming families and the 60,000 British Columbians working in our agriculture sector. A visit to the local fair is not complete without visiting the B.C. 4-H section. For more than 100 years, these young people have been learning the values of head, heart, hands and health. B.C. 4-H members often move on to become future leaders in B.C. agriculture and overall they are great ambassadors for their communities.
(closed Monday, August 24 & 31)
I want to thank the BC Association of Agricultural Fairs & Exhibitions executive, members and community fair volunteers for their leadership. Your dedication and professionalism ensures British Columbia families have the opportunity to make memories and a connection with their local agriculture fair and B.C. farmers. See you at the fair!
PNE _ PLAYLAND PNECLIPS
Norm Letnick Minister of Agriculture
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The Growing Importance of BC Aquaculture Steve Atkinson, President Taste of BC Aquafarms Inc.
When you think farming, likely the last animals that would come to mind would be fish! But fish farming or aquaculture is becoming more and more important to the world’s food supply. Canada is the world’s fourth largest producer of farmed salmon, most of that coming from the waters of British Columbia. Aquaculture has grown at an impressive rate over the past decades. In 1980 very little of the world’s fish and seafood was cultured. Now more than fifty percent of what we eat comes from aquaculture. It has helped to produce more food fish, kept the overall price of fish down, and made fish and seafood more accessible to consumers around the world. Recently the production of fish from aquaculture eclipsed the wild capture fishery for the first time. Now more than half of the worlds’ fish or seafood products consumed come from aquaculture. The wild capture fisheries have reached their limit and yet the demand for protein is growing at a pace never before experienced. It is projected that the need for aquaculture production will nearly double by 2030. With the population of the world growing and economic fortunes lifting more protein is needed to feed the growth. Aquaculture is the only way the demand can be met. Aquaculture is one of the most resourceefficient ways to produce protein. Fish come out well because, in general, they convert more of the food they eat into body mass than land animals. Feed Conversion Ratios indicate how many pounds of feed it takes to produce a pound of protein. Salmon – the most feed-intensive farmed fish – is still far more efficient than other forms of protein production. It takes about 8.7 pounds of feed to grow a pound of beef, about 5.9 pounds of feed to grow a pound of pork, 1.9 pounds for a pound of chicken and only 1.2 pounds of
feed to produce a pound of salmon. Other aquaculture species can be even more efficient. Fish are the most efficient at converting feed to edible protein and aquaculture is the most efficient of all. Wild Salmon require at least ten times as much food to grow than farmed salmon. In British Columbia aquaculture is the province’s largest agricultural export creating more than 6000 jobs and putting over a billion dollars into the provincial economy. But while the demand and production is growing worldwide, Canada, and BC in particular are falling behind. Aquaculture production in Canada is almost stagnant. Political pressures and unrelenting campaigns from anti fish farm activists have imposed a defacto moratorium on this sector. Yet with the world’s largest coastline, the largest freshwater system and the world’s largest tidal range the opportunities for expansion are large. Canada could, and in my opinion should, play a key role in meeting the seafood needs of the world. It is estimated that in salmon alone Canada could increase production from around 100,000 Tonnes to over 575,000 Tonnes with harvest values of nearly $3. billion. Adding in value added processing and related supplies and services the industry value would be pushed beyond $6.6 billion. Aquaculture could provide sustainable yearround employment for more than 47,000 people living in coastal, rural and Aboriginal communities. Adding in the potential for freshwater aquaculture, and shellfish the potential impact could be even greater. In some parts of the world aquaculture expansion has occurred at the expense of the natural environment. And historically there has been an overexploiting of natural resources from high inputs of wild capture fisheries for the production of fishmeal. But this situation is rapidly improving. Practices in the aquaculture industry have improved
dramatically, aquatic sources for feed is declining with terrestrial ingredients filling a greater and greater portion of the feeds used. Aquaculture can be done, and to a large degree in Canada is, sustainably. Some aquaculture can produce fish efficiently with low or no direct input. For example, bivalve species such as oysters, mussels, clams, and scallops are grown without artificial feeding; they feed on materials that occur naturally in their culture environment in the sea and lagoons. Today Canada and British Columbia have the natural resources that present enormous opportunities. The need for aquaculture products is growing more than ever. The technologies for sustainable production are being employed in both the saltwater and freshwater sectors. Without aquaculture we simply will not be able to meet the protein needs of the world’s seven billion people. Steve Atkinson, along with his wife Janet, is owner of Taste of BC Aquafarms of Nanaimo BC. Taste of BC is one of the world’s first Land Based Salmon Farms, growing Steelhead Salmon for the domestic market.
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July 31 – August 3
ABBOTSFORD AGRIFAIR & MIGHTY FRASER RODEO www.agrifair.ca
May 15 – 18
CLOVERDALE RODEO & COUNTRY FAIR (Surrey) www.cloverdalerodeo.com The 1st major community event of the season! The Cloverdale Rodeo & Country Fair is a family focused, friendly, educational and affordable experience that attracts over 100,000 visitors over the Victoria Day Long Weekend. For over a century, the community has steadfastly supported the annual Cloverdale Rodeo & Country Fair with over 360 volunteers contributing to its successful presentation! With exciting programming, attractions and entertainment taking place in every corner of the 100+ acre Cloverdale Fairgrounds, you’ll need more than 1 day to take it all in! July 10 - 11
CHRISTINA LAKE HOMECOMING SUMMER FESTIVAL www.facebook.com/ChristinaLakeHomecoming
some Radical Raptors, Chili Cook Off, 4-H and petting zoo area and the “Celebrity” Shoot at HIGH NOON where you can try your aim in the Air Pistol demo tent. In our Agricultural Exhibit Hall, you’ll see the fantastic photography section and other entries submitted by proud members of our community. Watch the amazing local talent on the Main Stage, have a bevy or two in our Beer Garden, feast on fun fair food and stroll by the vendor area. Visit our website for updates and more information. July 25
KOOTENAY FESTIVAL – LET’S CELEBRATE! (Castlegar) www.kootenayfestival.com
“A tradition that unifies and celebrates our community past and present”. Come Home to the Lake! Discover Canada’s warmest tree lined lake, nestled in the mountains of Boundary Country and experience the charm of this Community Summerfest packed with lots of fun! Market, Demos, Art & Crafts, Displays, Music, Performances, Community Beach BBQ & Party, Grand Finale “Light Up The Lake” Boat Parade for Cash Prizes!! Christina Lake Homecoming Summerfest is designed to captivate the community spirit of the people who love Christina Lake, full time, summertime residents, visitors, guests, family and friends, everyone is welcome!! Come celebrate the “Lake!”
This multi-faceted event encourages the recognition and appreciation of our community diversity through entertainment, cuisine and interactive educational activities, displays and performances. The festival will provide our residents and summer visitors with an outstanding opportunity to experience and celebrate the heritage, culture, ethnicity and artistic expression that enriches the Kootenay region and makes us proud to call it our home. NEW LOCATION: The festival grounds are situated on gorgeous green space along the banks of the Columbia River at Millennium Park, 100 5th Street, in downtown Castlegar. The 2015 Kootenay Festival will run from 10:30am – 7pm on July 25th. Entertainment, with something for everyone, continues throughout the day!
July 17 – 19
July 25 - 26
ALDERGROVE FAIR DAYS www.aldergrovefairdays.com
MAPLE RIDGE PITT MEADOWS COUNTRY FEST www.mrpmcountryfest.com
You’re invited to one of BC’s Greatest Small Town Fairs celebrating some very “Worldly” events, like the World Fast Draw Championship and the World 200 foot Zucchini Luge. Friday starts with a Car Show ‘n Shine and pre-peek of the Fairgrounds. Saturday’s parade begins at 10am and features “one of the largest showing of military vehicles in Canada”. The Fair opens to acclaim the “Salad Days of Summer”–– S = Shooting; A=Agriculture; L = Luge; A = Artists and D=Divas. Must sees are the Antique Tractor & Garden Lawnmower Pull, Kidzone with Mike the Reptile Guy and
“When the Best Gets Better!” Enjoy the largest 4H livestock shows in B.C., Open Horse & Poultry Shows, a huge Cat Fanciers of BC Show, home arts & gardening competitions, Backyard Farming demonstrations, Fun Til You’re Done Farm with young farm animals, Horse Ferrier, sheep shearing, sheep dog demos, food and Market Place exhibitors, Shooting Star Amusements, Vintage Market, Flyball Dog Show, first class daily entertainment and so much more. Admission is free.
Abbotsford Agrifair truly is ‘the best little country fair!” providing our community with what everyone wants – affordable family fun time! Enjoy Livestock shows & competitions, Rodeo, Demolition Derby, Interactive Family Tradeshow, Mainstage entertainment and evening concerts, local Valley Voices competition, ICW Wrestling, Go Carts, Lego, Reptiles, Wheely Cool Car Show, Midway rides AND SO MUCH MORE! Get the FAIR DEAL- 4 day FAIR pass for just $15 August 2
TLELL FALL FAIR (Graham Island, Haida Gwaii) www.tlellfallfair.com Grown Locally, Rain or Shine! The Tlell Fall Fair is and will always be a small Agricultural Fair on Haida Gwaii in Tlell. The Fall Fair is all about Agriculture. We’re not just about winning prizes, ribbons and showing off what your garden can produce, or how ornate you made that quilt. It is about sharing knowledge about how you got your garden to thrive, about becoming more sustainable, producing our own natural healthy food. It is spreading the knowhow of making it yourself. We are a part of the Agricultural history of Haida Gwaii. Come join in the Fun, Food, Displays, Music and Exhibits. August 4 – 9
DAWSON CREEK EXHIBITION & STAMPEDE www.dawsoncreekfair.com The “Greatest Show in the Peace”, the Dawson Creek Exhibition & Stampede features a Pro Tour Rodeo, World Professional Chuckwagons, traditional agricultural fair exhibits/displays, huge midway rides and games by West Coast Amusements, gospel festival and loads of fun activities for the young and young at heart! Don’t miss the opening concert on August 4th featuring Dallas Smith - Come discover “Agriculture Supporting Families” at the 2015 Dawson Creek Exhibition & Stampede!
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2015 bcaafe Associate & Commercial Members ASSOCIATIONS B.C. 4-H Provincial Council www.bc4h.bc.ca B.C. Chicken Growers’ Association www.poultryinmotion.ca Horse Council of B.C. www.hcbc.ca Princeton Exhibition Association 250-295-7374
Mudd Safety Awareness Inc. www.muddsafety.com
Savage Solutions 778-210-0835
Neale Bacon & His Crazy Critters www.baconandfriends.com
Thornley Creative Communications www.thornleycreative.com
Noteable Entertainment & Events Ltd. www.noteable.net
West Coast SLAM www.wcslam.com
Que Bola Magic www.quebolamagic.com West Coast Lumberjack Shows www.westcoastlumberjacks.com
FOOD & CONCESSION SERVICES
Bells & Whistles Mini Golf www.bellswhistlesminigolf.com
EVENT SERVICES
Canadian Reptile Encounters www.canadianreptileencounters.com
Capri Insurance Services www.capri.ca
Lakeside Concession & Mini-Donuts www.mini-donuts.ca
Dan the One Man Band www.dantheonemanband.com
Coast 2 Coast Promotions www.c2cpromos.ca
Shooting Star Amusements Ltd. www.shootingstar.ca
Jack Jackson Evangelical Ministries www.jackjackson.ca
Dikor Ribbon Technologies 1-866-503-2510
Thrill Masters Inc. www.thrillmastersonline.com
JayDee Hypnotist www.jaydeehypnotist.com
Island Tents & Exposition Services Inc. www.islandtentsandevents.com
West Coast Amusements Ltd. www.westcoastamusements.com
ENTERTAINMENT
Gordo’s Concessions www.gordosconcessions.com
GAMES & CARNIVALS
Come And Join The Fun! Join Horse Council BC today and compete in our BC Heritage Circuit and for your share of $10,000 at the Championships in July! A Horse Council BC membership provides great benefits including a comprehensive personal liability insurance policy from Capri Insurance. We have all the resources and materials you need to get involved. It’s easy! Just give us a call at 1.800.345.8055 or go to www.hcbc.ca to get your membership. Once you’re a member, check out a local Heritage Qualifier Show to get in the Circuit! 27336 Fraser Hwy., Aldergrove, BC V4W 3N5 P: 604.856.4304 E: communication@hcbc.ca www.hcbc.ca
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August 7 – 9
CHILLIWACK FAIR www.chilliwackfair.com The Chilliwack Fair is a family friendly agricultural exhibition, offering all the traditional classes, exhibits and entertainment you can expect from a classic fair. The Fair is an opportunity to celebrate the unique culture and heritage of our community and much more! We are proud to feature exhibits from talented local artists, educational displays from local organizations and businesses throughout the Fair. We are all about affordable fun so come join us to experience Country Roots and Cowboy Boots at our 143rd Annual Chilliwack Fair! August 8 - 9
COOMBS FAIR www.coombsfair.com The 103rd Coombs Fair will continue as a small agriculture based country fair. The theme for this year’s fair is the “cow” – visit the Dairy Barn exhibition and try your hand at milking a wooden cow, milk separating, butter making and ice cream making. Take in some of our competitive classes, as well, visit the children’s free area, zucchini races, chicken & duck races, ladies nail driving, rock & gem interactive displays and many other activities. Enjoy fine food, home baked pies and bunwiches in the ever popular Tea House. Our new Centennial Stage will feature live music and entertainment daily – So come and enjoy the Udderly Amazing Coombs Fair! August 12 – 16
BC NORTHERN EXHIBITION (Prince George) www.bcne.ca At our 103rd annual BCNE Exhibition we are going back to our “Country Roots and Cowboy Boots!” This is the year where tradition meets the future of our fair! The BCNE are working closely with the City of
“Country Roots and Cowboy Boots!” Prince George for the 100th birthday of our great city! This year we’ll showcase our Agricultural Heritage along with our Home Arts and Horticulture, yet at the same time inspire and entertain a younger generation. The BCNE will be inviting every child in our school district to get involved with the fair, by entering an exhibit and showing off their talents. We are opening up our main stage and inviting local and regional performers to compete for prizes and to experience the thrill of performing in front of thousands of spectators. Be sure to visit our Motocross track this year and watch our world class riders. We are reaching out to our community partners to bring you the Northern Taste Market which was a huge success in 2014. Watch our website for more exciting features at this year’s BCNE! August 14 - 15
KISKATINAW FALL FAIR (Sunset Prairie) The Kiskatinaw Fall Fair has been in operation since 1934, originally rotated through local communities the organizers decided to call Sunset Prairie their permanently home and have worked diligently to improve the fairgrounds ever since. This year’s fair will feature the ever popular Heavy Horse show starting Friday at 1:30 pm and continues Saturday, with a Heavy Horse pull in the late afternoon. Also on Saturday morning judging of sheep/goat, poultry/rabbits, schoolwork, photography, handicrafts, vegetables/ flowers, home cooking (baking /canning) will take place. There will be games and face painting on Saturday for the children. The Light Horse show will begin Sunday Morning at 9 am, with a fun afternoon for the competitors and their horses. August 14 – 16
NORTH PEACE FALL FAIR (Fort St. John) www.northpeacefallfair.ca Our fair is an exhibition of local produce, canning and baking, vegetables & grains. It is also a display of local artwork & handicrafts. There are livestock shows, including sheep, goats, horses, beef and dairy cattle and dogs! there will be antique tractors on display, pulling competitions, both tractors and heavy horses. Live entertainment all weekend with a family dance on Saturday evening. North Peace Fall Fair invites you to join us at the North Peace Fall Fair Grounds just 21km north of Fort St. John.
August 15
MAYNE ISLAND FALL FAIR www.mayneagriculturalsociety.com Mayne Island is a small community in the Southern Gulf Islands, accessed by ferry from Swartz Bay, Vancouver Island or Tsawwassen on the mainland. This year will mark the 90th Fall Fair. Following the parade, entertainment on the Fair Grounds will include music, food, flour grinding, butter churning, Egg and Spoon races, Tug of War and a log sawing contest. Inside the Hall, exhibits of fruit, flowers, vegetables, baking, sewing, knitting and art showcase the many talents of Islanders. Come and join our community for a day of fun and celebration. August 21 – 23
NECHAKO VALLEY EXHIBITION (Vanderhoof) www.nvesociety.com The annual Nechako Valley Exhibition will be celebrating it’s 49th year! For 48 years, the exhibition has showcased the best of agriculture and ranching, provided a venue for local folks to share their talents and products, offered friendly competition in a variety of activities such as team roping and barrel racing, featured special events for young and old alike, and welcomed local musicians to grace our stage throughout the weekend. The exhibition in 2015 will be all this and more! Each year, new activities, more commercial vendors, more concessions and bigger crowds contribute to a new and exciting event for the region. Come and wander through our extensive exhibit building, watch a dog agility performance, marvel at the heavy horses and their incredible strength, eat great food and listen to great music. It’s all here in Vanderhoof – where we’re Bringing Communities Together! August 21 – 23
VANCOUVER ISLAND EXHIBITION (Nanaimo) www.viex.ca Celebrating 121 years – Country Scenes & Children’s Dreams! Come and enjoy the largest and oldest event in Nanaimo. Come and see our many new attractions and a terrific midway provided by Shooting Star Amusements, headline entertainment on all 3 days, home arts, livestock displays, kids zone, kennel club demos, skateboard competition, vintage tractor display, horse shows, our new community garden and logger sports .... the “VIEX is fun for everyone!”
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August 22
COBBLE HILL FAIR www.cobblehillfair.ca The Cobble Hill Fair is a one day, oldfashioned country fair celebrating our agricultural roots and rural lifestyle. It is run entirely by volunteers and last year welcomed 6,000 fair patrons who enjoyed livestock exhibits, poultry, a horse show, sheep and working sheep dogs, vintage machinery, demonstrations of blacksmithing, a cooper, domestic science entries, floral, fruit and vegetables, a parade, commercial vendors, fabulous food, Cowichan Valley documentary films and live stage entertainment all day long. Come and join the fun, at our 106th - This Fair’s For Ewe, Kid!
“ It is about sharing knowledge about how you got your garden to thrive, about becoming more sustainable...” August 22
PENDER ISLAND FALL FAIR www.pifi.ca This year we celebrate the 51st anniversary of the N.N. Grimmer Trophy for the most points in the Floral Section. This year’s theme “Fairest Flowers of the Season” you can expect the hall to be laden with flowers as well as all the usual selections of produce, livestock, food and art we’re known for. There will be live music, entertainment and activities for all ages. We will be providing our famous barbeque and dancing in the evening.
August 22 – September 7 (closed August 24 and 31)
PACIFIC NATIONAL EXHIBITION “The Fair at the PNE” www.pne.ca The largest event of the year, The Fair at the PNE features exhibits, displays and activities for everyone! The biggest attractions of the 2 week celebration are its numerous shops, stalls, dazzling performances, nightly concerts, 4-H Festival, competitions, over 50 thrilling midway rides and fabulous food! Be sure to check the website for a list of all the special events and times so that you don’t miss out - The Fair at the PNE is definitely the best part of summer! August 27 – 30
BULKLEY VALLEY EXHIBITION (Smithers) www.bvfair.ca Plan to join us – The Bulkley Valley Exhibition - for a weekend of family fun and entertainment! Located on Highway 16 just within the limits of the Town of Smithers, on site camping is available. From sheep to broncos, chocolate cake to handmade quilts and everything in-between – Local musicians, artists, crafters, gardeners, farmers, riders and ranchers - we have it here! Our “Family Zone” includes a petting farm, crafts, and hands on harvesting at the Bulkley Acres Farm. Our family friendly stage offers great entertainment. Don’t miss the annual Smithers Rodeo Club’s Rodeo & Bullarama. Our rodeo arena is
also home to the Heavy Horse Pull; experience the strength of these gentle giants of the horse world. And if that doesn’t excite you the thrilling rides of Shooting Star Amusements will, with games, cotton candy and popcorn. We have it all at the BVX – Check our website for updates and entertainment announcements throughout the summer. See you at the BVX! August 28 – 30
COMOX VALLEY EXHIBITION (Courtenay) www.cvex.ca With 40 acres of Natural Park the Comox Valley Exhibition is situated on the bank of the Tsolum River in the scenic Comox Valley. Courtenay is in one of the most vibrant cities on Vancouver Island, nestled between the Beaufort Mountains and the Strait of Georgia where fertile farmlands are in abundance. Promoting local farming for over 140 years, CVEX offers three days of fun filled events for all family members. You can race a zucchini, take a hay ride, watch the many farm animal shows and demonstrations, sink your teeth into a freshly made candy apple and sit back and enjoy the lumberjack shows, dog shows and non-stop entertainment. Come experience the many wonders of Comox Valley rural life as the City of Courtenay celebrates their 100th Anniversary! continued on page 10
Ride May to October
Kettle Valley Steam Railway
T
he Kettle Valley Steam Railway offers a 90 minute round trip journey on the only preserved section of the historic Kettle Valley Railway line – celebrating 100 years in 2015. You’ll travel through the scenic beauty of rural Summerland, see breathtaking views from the Trout Creek Bridge and enjoy live music for a truly memorable experience unique to the Okanagan Valley. Reserve your spot for Great Train Robbery & BBQ events on special days during the May to October season.
1-877-494-8424
3716
www.kettlevalleyrail.org
SUMMERLAND B.C.
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2015 2015 fair VANCOUVER & GULF ISLANDS
le u d e sch
FAIRS SUPPORT
COMMUNITY
Alberni District Fall Fair September 10 - 13 www.albernifair.ca Black Creek Fall Fair September 12 www.blackcreek-cc.com Cobble Hill Fair August 22 www.cobblehillfair.ca Comox Valley Exhibition August 28 - 30 www.cvex.ca Coombs Fair August 8 - 9 www.coombsfair.com Cowichan Exhibition (Duncan) September 11 - 13 www.cowex.ca Luxton Fall Fair September 18 - 20 www.luxtonfair.ca Mayne Island Fall Fair August 15 www.mayneagriculturalsociety.com Pender Island Fall Fair August 22 www.pifi.ca Powell River Fall Fair September 19 - 20 www.agripr.com Saanich Fair September 5 - 7 www.saanichfair.ca
BC Association of Agricultural Fairs and Exhibitions
We are a gathering place for British Columbia’s communities and regions; a social and economic force that has the ability to drive and enhance the quality of community life! www.bcfairs.ca
Sooke Fall Fair September 12 - 13 www.sookefallfair.com Vancouver Island Exhibition (Nanaimo) August 21 - 23 www.viex.ca
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GREATER VANCOUVER & FRASER VALLEY Abbotsford Agrifair & Mighty Fraser Rodeo July 31 - Aug 3 www.agrifair.ca Agassiz Fall Fair & Corn Festival September 18 - 19 www.agassizfallfair.com Aldergrove Fair Days July 17 - 19 www.aldergrovefairdays.com Chilliwack Fair August 7 - 9 www.chilliwackfair.com Cloverdale Rodeo & Country Fair May 15 - 18 www.cloverdalerodeo.com Day at the Farm (Westham Island, Delta) September 12 www.deltafarmland.ca Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Country Fest July 25 - 26 www.mrpmcountryfest.com Pacific National Exhibition – The Fair at the PNE August 23 - September 7 www.pne.ca Southlands Country Fair (Vancouver) September 13 www.southlandsridingclub.com
North Thompson Fall Fair & Rodeo (Barriere) September 5 - 7 www.fallfair-rodeo.com Peachland Fall Fair September 12 - 13 www.peachlandfallfair.ca
BOUNDARY/KOOTENAY Christina Lake Homecoming Summer Festival July 10 - 11 www.facebook.com/ ChristinaLakeHomecoming
Princeton Fall Fair September 12 - 13
Creston Valley Fall Fair (Creston) September 11 - 12 www.crestonvalleyfallfair.com
Provincial Winter Fair (Barriere) September 25 - 28 www.provincialwinterfair.com
Grand Forks Fall Fair August 28 - 30 www.grandforksfallfair.ca
Salmon Arm Fair September 11 - 13 www.salmonarmfair.com
Kootenay Country Fair (Cranbrook) September 13 www.kootenaycountryfair.com
Summerland Fall Fair September 12 - 13 www.summerlandfallfair.com
Kootenay Festival - Let’s Celebrate (Castlegar) July 25 www.kootenayfestival.com
NORTHERN BC BC Northern Exhibition (Prince George) August 12 - 16 www.bcne.ca Bulkley Valley Exhibition (Smithers) August 27 - 30 www.bvfair.ca Dawson Creek Exhibition & Stampede August 4 - 9 www.dawsoncreekfair.com
Pass Creek Regional Exhibition & Fall Fair (Robson) September 26 - 27 www.passcreekfair.com Rock Creek Fall Fair September 19 - 20 www.rockcreekfallfair.ca Rossland Fall Fair September 12
Kiskatinaw Fall Fair (Sunset Prairie) August 14 - 16
CARIBOO CHILCOTIN COAST Quesnel Fall Fair September 19 - 20 www.facebook.com/quesnelfallfair Williams Lake Harvest Fair September 12 - 13 www.wlharvestfair.ca
THOMPSON OKANAGAN Ashcroft & District Fall Fair September 13 www.ashcroftfallfair.ca Nicola Valley Fall Fair (Merritt) August 29 -30 Interior Provincial Exhibition (Armstrong) September 2 - 6 www.armstrongipe.com
Lakes District Fall Fair (Burns Lake) September 11 - 13 www.ldfallfair.ca Nechako Valley Exhibition (Vanderhoof) August 21 - 23 www.nvesociety.com North Peace Fall Fair (Fort St. John) August 14 - 16 www.northpeacefallfair.ca Skeena Valley Fall Fair & Exhibition (Terrace) September 5 www.skeenavalleyfallfair.com Tlell Fall Fair (Graham Island, Haida Gwaii) August 2 www.tlellfallfair.com
BC Fairs Board of Directors EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Ann Siddall, President Keith Currie, 1st Vice President Pamela Brenner, 2nd Vice President Glenda Reid, Finance Chair
DIRECTORS Darren Dean Tom Harter Nancy Loreth Kelly McIver Karen Streeter
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Janine Saw
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September 2 – 6
INTERIOR PROVINCIAL EXHIBITION (Armstrong) www.armstrongipe.com
August 28 – 30
The 116th Interior Provincial Exhibition is an exciting 5-day agricultural fair - the largest event in the Interior of British Columbia with close to 150,000 attendance. It is the premier event held each year on the Labour Day long weekend showcasing our agricultural history, cultural and artistic talents, and a meeting place for the entire communities of the Okanagan/ Thompson and Shuswap regions. With 20 different exhibition divisions, including dairy, beef, sheep, goats, light and heavy horse, poultry, rabbits, sinew, 4-H, baking/ canning, sewing/fancywork, floral, fruit, vegetables, honey, field and seed, wine and beer, photography, rodeo, parade and music. The IPE includes a multitude of displays and demonstrations, including Kid’s World, a historical village, mini chuck wagons, educational activities, lumberjack show, petting zoo, midway and interactive family entertainment. There is also a main Ram Truck music stage, kids stage and the new community stage featuring daily programming, as well as the Wrangler Pro Rodeo. This year’s theme is in celebration of our Dairy Division with UDDERLY AWESOME – “Party til the cows come home!”
GRAND FORKS FALL FAIR www.grandforksfallfair.ca The Grand Forks Fall Fair will be celebrating its 105th year of celebration throughout the Boundary Region of BC. This year’s theme is “Life in the Boundary, Then and Now”. Agricultural exhibits, Informational booths and Societies from all over will be on display inside the Rink for all to view and enjoy. When entering the park, you will find an array of events happening. These will include our annual Zucchini Races, RC Racing, Children’s Entertainers and Events, and of course the Fall Fair Farm. Survivor III will be full of events for children the entire weekend! Come and watch as they compete against others to be the Survivor III of 2015! Come and visit our Vendors; learn what is available to you in our area and be enriched by their knowledge! Enjoy life in the Boundary, at its best! August 29 – 30
NICOLA VALLEY FALL FAIR (Merritt) A warm, friendly traditional fair, Nicola Valley features many competitive exhibits in baking, canning, vegetables and livestock. The Fair also features antique tractor displays, a car show and an old fashioned country dance in their exhibition hall on Sunday evening at 8:30pm for all to enjoy!
September 5 – 7
NORTH THOMPSON FALL FAIR & RODEO (Barriere) www.fallfair-rodeo.com Join us Labour Day Weekend for the Annual North Thompson Fall Fair and Rodeo! Come out and see the brand new North Thompson Agriplex which will host livestock and 4H competitions. There will be a full exhibit hall, outdoor and indoor entertainment, three days of BCRA Rodeo, bingo, amusements, heavy
horse competitions, light horse show, pony chariot and chuckwagon racing, trick riders, commercial booths and exhibits, children’s “ag can be fun’ area, family dance, cabaret dance, cowboy concert, fall fair parade, children’s parade, and much more. Dry camping available on site. September 5 – 7
SAANICH FAIR www.saanichfair.ca Celebrating our 148th year it’s a must see for the whole family on Labour Day weekend! The Saanich Fairgrounds will be filled with all kinds of activity for all ages. Come see the 5,000 exhibits from photography, needle art, baking, flowers, field crop displays, homemade preserves to our junior department ages 3 – 16 and check out who has the biggest pumpkin and longest scarlet runner! There are food concessions with tastes from all over the world, carnival games, eating contests, midway, 4-H animal displays and shows from rabbits to draft horses and continuous stage entertainment. Bring the whole family and “Take a Spin at the Fair”! September 5
SKEENA VALLEY FALL FAIR & EXHIBITION (Terrace) www.skeenavalleyfallfair.com Skeena Valley Fall Fair’s 2015 focus will be on the family! The exhibition hall features homespun crafts along with local agriculture - from eggs to bees. We also have participation of our local 4H club with rabbits and water fowl, a petting zoo along with a horse show hosted by the local saddle club. Community grounds will host local vendors (food and merchandise), antique cars, equipment displays, live music and a chain saw carver. A little something for everyone. We look forward to seeing you at our family afFAIR.
bcfma.com
open April to October
Where History Comes to Life
Canada’s Largest Pioneer Collection
B.C. Farm museum
9131 King st., Fort Langley • ph. (604) 888-2273
May 18 | August 3 | September 7 Market Mondays: Come check out the locally produced items. Thanks to our partners:
604-297-4565 | burnabyvillagemuseum.ca
11 September 10 – 13
ALBERNI DISTRICT FALL FAIR www.albernifair.ca The Alberni District Fall Fair is considered the #1 destination for family entertainment in the heart of Vancouver Island. This year marks the 70th annual fair. The fair offers a venue for live entertainment on two stages one of which is dedicated to local entertainers, a vehicle raffle package, midway, a renowned logger sports show, tractor pulls, home & business show, a community wide parade, zucchini races, skateboard demos, heritage vehicle displays and other special attractions. Agriculture continues to play a big role with the fair with livestock shows, Old MacDonald’s farm yard, and an agriculture education display building chalked full of local agriculture commodities. September 11 – 12
CRESTON VALLEY FALL FAIR www.crestonvalleyfallfair.com The 97th Annual Creston Valley Fall Fair offers displays and exhibits in many traditional agricultural categories, such as; farm & garden produce, baking, preserves, arts & crafts, livestock classes and loads
of youth exhibits. Featuring a wide variety of entertainment, this old-fashioned fall fair is sure to provide fun for everyone!
September 11 – 13
LAKES DISTRICT FALL FAIR (Burns Lake) www.ldfallfair.ca
September 11 – 13
COWICHAN EXHIBITION www.cowex.ca This year the Cowichan Exhibition will be celebrating its 147th Exhibition, September 11, 12 & 13th, 2015. This year the Theme is: BLLUE: THE NEW ‘GOLD’- Water and Agriculture. The Cowichan Exhibition provides an educational experience of farming techniques, displays of antique & modern farm equipment, a tractor parade & tractor pulls. We also provide a competition showplace for all areas of
Our mountains aren’t just meant for snow.
agriculture including: field products, honey making, wine making, home gardening, home baking, canning, needlework, photography, crafting and livestock. Our fair features a diverse venue for 4-H clubs, & local farm animal displays. We also feature local entertainment on our Spirit Stage, carnival rides, concessionaires, commercial vendors, & overnight camping. Come and Join us for the fun.
Its A Family A-Fair! Wholesome family entertainment at its finest in an old fashioned atmosphere. Something for all ages from horses and cattle to bunnies and billy goats! Special features include the Children’s Festival and Teen Night – New features for 2015 are helicopter rides and the Ranch Rodeo! continued on page 12
70 t h A n n u A l
• Alberni District FAir • september 10-13, 2015
Photo: Adam Stein
Stroll through the village, listen to live concerts, discover the shops and cafés. Or, simply engage in the grandest of vacation pastimes, doing absolutely nothing at all, accompanied by a refreshing beverage on a sunny patio. 1.844.SP.GRAND www.sunpeaksgrand.com
Celebrating the Many Colours of Our Community
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September 11 – 13
SALMON ARM FALL FAIR www.salmonarmfair.com The Friday, Saturday and Sunday after Labour Day will see the fairgrounds in Salmon Arm bursting with activity. For folks who want to showcase their talents, there are many categories to enter and display at the Salmon Arm Fair: Arts and Crafts; Domestic Arts, like baking, canning and needle arts; Horticultural classes, like fruit, vegetables, hay, and honey; and many more. The displays are awesome. Educate yourself at a 4-H display or show. Visit the livestock barns and watch shows each day during the fair. Take part in or watch a fantastic parade on Saturday. Enjoy a variety of yummy food from concessions in the food court, arena and south grounds, where the Mid-way is running each day and Friday and Saturday evenings. Catch “Elvis” and many other individuals and groups on the Entertainment Stages. Get your heart racing at the Grand Stand with the mini-chuck wagons and the lawn tractor races. Reminisce in Memory Lane. Come celebrate “From Pioneer Days to Modern Ways” at the Salmon Arm Fair, which started way back in 1897!
No
September 12
September 12
BLACK CREEK FALL FAIR www.blackcreek-cc.com
ROSSLAND FALL FAIR
The Black Creek Fall Fair includes a pancake breakfast, all-day musical entertainment, a Kids Carnival with games, face painting, clowns, balloons, and tons of activities for the kids, afternoon BBQ, fun competitions like the famous Strongman & Strongwoman contests, a petting zoo, a heritage tractor & machines display and MORE! Buy crafts and art from local vendors, bid on amazing silent auction items and enjoy the beautiful and historic Black Creek! September 12
DAY AT THE FARM (Westham Island Herb Farm, Delta) www.deltafarmland.ca Do you eat local? Find out just how locally your food is produced at the 10th Annual Day at the Farm event, located a mere 35 kilometres south of Vancouver. Hosted by the Delta Farmland & Wildlife Trust and local farmer Sharon Ellis, Day at the Farm offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience a real working farm. This event is packed with fun activities, from milking demonstrations, to digging your own potatoes and hopping on our popular hay wagon farm tours! Live music, fresh farm produce and local food vendors make this day one to mark on the calendar!
The Rossland Fall Fair is held each year in conjunction with Rossland Golden City Days. The Fall Fair attracts participants and visitors, not only from Rossland but from many other neighbouring communities. Many former Rosslanders consider this a great home-coming weekend that is not to be missed. A variety of events take place such as a parade, races, dances, and a pancake breakfast along with an array of vendors and artisans to appeal to many different interests. The petting zoo is always a favourite with the kids and a variety of live entertainment is ongoing throughout the day. Come to Rossland to celebrate our vibrant spirit of community and our “Golden City” heritage. September 12 – 13
PEACHLAND FALL FAIR www.peachlandfallfair.ca With the atmosphere and content of an old fashioned country fair, right in the heart of beautiful downtown Peachland, this is a September event not to be missed. Now is your opportunity to bake or preserve something to enter, plant some seeds to nurture; crochet, knit, quilt, carve or build an item or start a batch of wine or beer – we welcome entries from everyone in BC! We have entertainment for all ages and refreshments too! Come out and enjoy a day at the Peachland Fall Fair!
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This is the Best Old Time Country Fair Anywhere!
The 66th Annual
September 5, 6, 7 2015
Barriere, B.C. for
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North Thompson F all F air & R odeo www.fallfair-rodeo.com
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September 12 – 13
September 12 – 13
PRINCETON & DISTRICT AGRICULTURAL FALL FAIR
SUMMERLAND FALL FAIR www.summerlandfallfair.com
The 50th Annual Fall Fair will take place at the Princeton Exhibition Grounds September 12 -13. Opening features include the Marron Valley Drill Team – celebrating our Golden Anniversary, the traditional exhibits of livestock, crafts, crops and friendly competitions will be enhanced by our 1965 displays looking back to our very first fair and music from the 60’s to set the mood! Join us for a pancake breakfast, take a hay ride, watch the horseshoe tournament and visit the many vendors for great food and unique gifts!
The Summerland Fall Fair is a celebration that focuses on the abundant fruit industry that thrives in the Okanagan. Come tempt your senses, savour local flavor and be awed by the workmanship of local exhibitors. Be sure to take in the exciting demonstrations and experience the entertainment of young performers showcasing their talent. The Summerland Fall Fair is a unique event full of community spirit and delivers affordable family fun!
September 12 - 13
SOOKE FALL FAIR www.sookefallfair.com This year the Sooke Fall Fair Embraces Soil and Light. We will celebrate what the soil gives to us and how to care for it and include composting and organic methods in keeping our soil healthy. We will also be embracing the importance of light in not only growing but technology and how we can embrace two very important components of our earth together with water and air to provide healthy opportunities for us to embrace the wonderful gifts we have before us and to use them in a respectful manner to sustain the good health of not only ourselves but of our community by getting down to earth and looking to the sun.
September 12 – 13
WILLIAMS LAKE HARVEST FAIR www.wlharvestfair.ca The Williams Lake Harvest Fair is an annual event held each fall in the Cariboo/Chilcotin. In 2015 we will be celebrating our 39th year! Come cheer on the cowboys and cowgirls as they compete in a variety of events such as cattle sorting, trailer loading and the saddle horse race as we host the 3rd annual Ranch Challenge. The Little Britches Rodeo will be back this year with performances on both days – our Gymkhana will be held on Sunday too! Check out the exhibit hall that is always bursting at the seams with quilts, photos, canning/baking, flowers and handicrafts. Let the kids play in our children’s area and enjoy the free local entertainment running on our outdoor stage. Don’t miss the agricultural displays and demonstrations or the horse drawn wagon rides that will take you around the fairgrounds. We hope to see you at our fair!
September 13
ASHCROFT & DISTRICT FALL FAIR www.ashcroftfallfair.ca “BEE Inspired” - we’ll spark your creativity and open your eyes to the importance of the insect agriculture cannot do without! Come spend the day with us and BEE moved by our entertainment, BEE educated by our honey and bee displays and BEE thrilled with all of the great activities we have for the kids. One day only, Sunday, September 13th at the Drylands Arena in Ashcroft. We hope you will come and BEE Inspired to try something new! September 13
KOOTENAY COUNTRY FAIR (Cranbrook) www.kootenaycountryfair.com The 38th Annual Kootenay Country Fair will be held at the picturesque setting of Fort Steele Heritage Town circa 1890 located 15km northeast of Cranbrook on Highways 93/95. The fair is one of the best ‘family’ days hosted in the East Kootenay’s. Besides the exhibits of red ribbon entries there are many other exciting things happening throughout the day! Visit the thrashing, blacksmithing and gold panning demonstrations, enjoy the great entertainment and take a wagon ride. Lots of children’s games, together with commercial exhibits and access to visit the entire heritage town – We look forward to welcoming you at the Kootenay Country Fair! continued on page 12
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September 13
SOUTHLANDS COUNTRY FAIR (Vancouver) www.southlandsridingclub.com Country Charm in the City - Enjoy a day in the country without leaving the city! The Southlands Country Fair is a magical family event featuring pony rides, a petting farm, old-fashioned games, spectacular equestrian entertainment, live performance from local children’s musician Will Stroet, a local arts and crafts market, face painting, hay piles, bouncy horses, food trucks, a silent auction, live cow milking, a quilt show and more! And it has old-fashioned prices too! Entry is by donation, parking is free and activities cost from one to five dollars, while many others are free. Hosted by the Southlands Riding Club, this delightful fair takes place rain or shine on Sunday September 13 from 10am to 5pm. Giddy up! September 18 – 19
AGASSIZ FALL FAIR & CORN FESTIVAL www.agassizfallfair.com We’ll be celebrating the 111th Fall Fair and the 67th Corn Festival. On Friday afternoon and all day Saturday the midway will again offer a special price for rides. Our midway has one of the best collections of rides for a fair. Friday night entertainment will feature great musicians for you to enjoy. In the Agricultural Hall you can view Arts and Crafts, Painting, Needlework, Baking, Canning, Floral, Fruit, Vegetable, Pets, and Photography entries as well as Educational displays. On Saturday 4-H groups will showcase their cattle, horses, pigs, sheep, swine, dogs, goats, rabbits, sewing, photography, educational poster and educational displays. Saturday activities also include: a Parade, Crowning of the Corn King/Queen, Stage Entertainment including musicians and dancers, a Midway, a Corn Husking Competition, a Goat Milking Contest, an Antique Tractor Pull, a BMX Bike Demonstration, Lawn Mower Races, a Farmer’s Market, and a Kid’s Corner. What is a Fair without great food? On fair day, don`t miss the best barbecued chicken and corn, burgers and hot dogs in town. September 18 – 20
LUXTON FALL FAIR www.luxtonfair.ca Celebrating 105 years of Fall Fairs in the Western Communities. We have it all … food booths, Horticulture and Field Crops
displays and exhibits, midway rides and games, blacksmithing and antique farm equipment, museum displays of Metchosin and Luxton History, handicrafts and unique product booths. Special main attraction again this year is the Tractor and Truck Pulls presented by the Morningside Group. Fun for the whole Family, Come One Come All, see the Art in the Barn and the new chicken and pigeon displays or enjoy our tasty homemade pies and pastries, local corn on the cob and Baron of Beef being served daily in the Tea Room. See You at the Fair.
live entertainment for all ages, horse events, the ever popular lawnmower racing and more. Kids can get involved in Farm Games or Muttin’ Bustin’, pony rides or the thrills of the Midway. Learn something new browsing the Educational displays or check out the offerings of over 70 food and commercial vendors. Come experience the life of the Boundary this September 19 and 20.
September 19 - 20
Each year the Provincial Winter Fair strives to promote public awareness of just how important agriculture is to our communities, regions and to our Province! Over 275 dedicated 4-H youth from across the Interior of the province will gather in Barriere, to celebrate their project’s success. To augment the 4-H section of the event, the fair has incorporated several agricultural activities such as the highly entertaining Top Hand Ranch competition, as well as, a variety of vendors, interesting displays and exciting competitions. Heart and enthusiasm is at the core of the Provincial Winter Fair!
POWELL RIVER FALL FAIR www.agripr.com “Meet the Local Farmers & Producers” This year Powell River’s annual Fall Fair promotes local agriculture, local artisans and traditional small scale farming skills, such as sheep shearing and horse shoeing. Offering loads of demonstrations, live entertainment, contests and stage show. Our crafters are some of the best, taking local supplies and turning them into family heirlooms. Many people you will see and meet have become masters in dying trades such as raw wool processing, spinning and weaving; wood turning and carving; and the natural preservation of food for winter consumption. Be sure to put a day aside to visit the Powell River Fall Fair! September 19 - 20
QUESNEL FALL FAIR www.facebook.com/quesnelfallfair The Quesnel Agricultural Exhibition Association hosts a free, entertaining, educational agricultural fall fair held at Alex Fraser Park in Quesnel. Visit the wide array of agricultural displays encouraging interaction and viewing for the urban public. The fair exhibits encourage people to appreciate rural lifestyles and to consider incorporating aspects of agriculture into their own lives. With free admission, this event is affordable and attractive for all visitors! September 19 - 20
ROCK CREEK FALL FAIR www.rockcreekfallfair.ca 70 years and still growing strong here in beautiful Boundary Country! The Rock Creek Fall Fair remains true to its roots and is a proud sponsor of our local 4H clubs. We are committed to promoting and showcasing the rural lifestyle: livestock husbandry and horsemanship, field and garden produce, culinary and handicrafts, art and photography. Organized almost entirely by volunteers, the Fair offers free
September 25 – 28
PROVINCIAL WINTER FAIR (Barriere) www.provincialwinterfair.com
September 26 - 27
PASS CREEK REGIONAL EXHIBITION w& FALL FAIR (Robson) www.passcreekfair.com
MADE IN BC
The Pass Creek Regional Exhibition & Fall Fair committee would like to invite everyone to celebrate our 20th anniversary with us! The exhibit and horticultural buildings will be filled with hundreds of entries. The energetic and wonderful gardeners, bakers, photographers, and crafters of our area bring these to be judged and admired by the judges and visiting public. The youth of the area are large contributors to the exhibits. The fair-grounds have educational displays to explore. There is a car show, dog show as well as equine events all weekend. Local talent of the area will be performing on the stage. The youth will have fun playing mini golf, being a farmer for a day as well as having fun at the family carnival. The “Dirty Diggers” equipment and operators will be entertaining the youth as the youngsters accompany their adult partners on machines and go digging. Animals will be on display for all to see and learn about. Many artisans and vendors will be present with a variety of items to sell and demonstrate. There will be something for everyone young and senior at the Fair. Please come and enjoy a family fun weekend.
PW BREWING