2016
Rooted in Tradition, Growing for Tomorrow featuring
4-H BC
Learn more about these happy and hardworking kids
BCCA
Get to know the BC Cattlemen Association
travel special
Must See Fairs in BC
starts on page 6
It’s the BEST PART of summer
(closed Monday, August 22 & 29)
PNE _ PLAYLAND
PNECLIPS
Ann Siddall President, BC Fairs
Greeting from the President of BC Fairs This year the BC Association of Agriculture Fairs and Exhibitions (BC Fairs) celebrates its 106th year providing leadership and resources to more than 50 non-profit organizations and the many agricultural fairs, festivals and exhibitions across the province. On behalf of our members, I hope you will enjoy this guide; take the time to read through the informative articles and explore the extensive calendar of events! Each fair, festival and exhibition share a common purpose – to preserve the culture and heritage of the surrounding community and to promote BC’s diverse agriculture industry through the presentation of interactive and educational exhibits and demonstrations. Combined with entertainment for all ages, friendly competitions and a wide variety of artisan/vendors booths, you can be assured there will be something for visitors of all ages and walks of life. I would like to thank Glacier Media, our advertisers and the Government of the Province of British Columbia for their support of this publication. Ann Siddall, President, BC Fairs
We gratefully acknowledge the financial support for this publication, by the province of British Columbia.
Speak n’ Shows; a 4-H Tradition
You likely know them as the happy, hardworking kids in the barns at every summer fair across British Columbia. The 4-H program provides young people with an opportunity to learn how to become productive, self-assured adults who can make
their community and country a good place in which to live. Along the way, 4-H’ers learn many life skills through the 4-H motto of “Learn To Do By Doing”. Whether they are chairing meetings, working with their projects, obtaining sponsors or conducting public speaking/demonstration sessions, these young people are typically very enthusiastic and bursting with activity! 4-H BC is proud and honoured to partner with BC Fairs through Speak and Show Competitions. A speak and show is a public presentation that can be in the form of a demonstration or an illustrated talk using an agriculture or food theme. Members have 10-20 minutes on stage with the goal of showing a new learned skill or an increased understanding of a topic. This year, BC Fairs is generously sponsoring cash prizes for 4 Speak and
Shows across the province making this a very exciting opportunity for our young people! Joining 4-H gives youth unlimited potential, access to programs to explore careers and personal development and a variety of leadership opportunities. To learn more, please visit www.bc4h.bc.ca. And if you should see any of our youngsters, surprise them by reciting the 4-H pledge:
I pledge
y HEAD to clearer thinking, M My HEART to greater loyalty, My HANDS to larger service, My HEALTH to better living,
For my Club, my Community and My Country
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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Get to know BCCA
T
he cattle industry is a central part of British Columbia’s history, culture, environment, economy, and future. Dating back to the days of the Gold Rush, cattle ranching has been an integral part of the settlement of BC. It has been said that the early pioneers came for the gold but stayed because the abundant, lush grasslands held promise for grazing cattle. Ranching pioneers have homesteaded in many of BC’s rural areas and for over 150 years, ranching has been the cornerstone of rural communities contributing economically and socially to the rural fabric. BC ranchers take pride in filling the first role in the beef production chain. Comprising about five percent of the 4
Ranchers manage private and Crown lands to enrich soil, control erosion, balance ecosystems, and protect water quality. national cow herd, BC’s industry is made up primarily of family owned cow-calf or cow-yearling ranches spread across every region of British Columbia. With over 4000 ranches in BC, the beef industry has a wide variety of operations from small hobby farms, to diversified operations and large cattle ranches. The majority of calves raised in BC are marketed in the fall to feedlots in Alberta and the US where they will be fed a grain diet and brought up to slaughter weight. A small portion of calves remain in BC for back grounding or finishing. There are about 40 feedlots in BC and over 30 abattoirs that process cattle. Canada exports beef around the world including US, Mexico, Asia, and beyond. Nationally, we continue to work to expand into new markets. On a smaller scale, BC has a
number of robust, niche markets to meet consumer demands for grassfed, organic and/or local products. Through all of these facets, the beef industry adds over half a billion annually to the provincial economy. BC’s competitive advantage lies in our ability to “harvest sunshine” by converting grass into a nutrient rich protein with very little fossil fuel input. Cattle graze the lands not suitable for cultivation of other agricultural crops, which require much more abundant water sources to grow effectively. Ranchers manage private and Crown lands to enrich soil, control erosion, balance ecosystems, and protect water quality. Ranches are made up of large tracts of forest, pasture and wetland ecosystems that are home to a variety of wildlife including
many that are considered species at risk. The presence of rare or endangered species on ranchlands is not a coincidence; rather a result of good stewardship and management. Cattle producers understand the importance of conserving water, and good riparian management ensures that water is allocated and utilized effectively for all species that depend on it. Many ranchers collaborate with environmental and conservation groups to develop and protect areas on both private and government lands. Ranchers know that a healthy environment and good business go hand in hand. Cattle producers care about their animals and proudly provide British Columbians with a safe, nutritious product. Beef is an important part of a balanced, healthy diet. It is a nutrient dense protein source with 14 essential nutrients like iron, zinc, B vitamins and protein. Unlike most plant proteins, beef delivers the full nine essential amino acids in the amounts your body needs to build and repair itself. While the pillars of the ranching community continue to be family, community and care of the land, the industry is also progressive and innovative as we strive to feed British Columbia, Canada and world populations. Across Canada, the beef cattle industry makes significant investments into research, marketing and technology that will help address efficiencies, sustainability and long-term competitiveness for ranchers into the future. Recently released research, which demonstrated beef produced in Canada today requires 24% less land and produces 15% smaller carbon footprint compared with 1981, shows the effectiveness of the advancements made in the industry.
To learn more about the industry, visit www.cattlemen.bc.ca
PHOTOS: Cattle making the trek to the summer range.
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2016 Guide to BC’s Fairs & Exhibitions SPRING FARM FAIR Presented by Pass Creek Exhibition Society – (Robson)
May 14 passcreekfair.com Bringing farmers, ranchers, public and vendors together who raise all different types of livestock, fruit trees, nurseries, poultry, grape vines, nuts, herbs, bees etc. Inviting farming businesses to attend and support farmers offering information on merchandise available and information on how it would impact their farm and improve their operation. Inviting the public to attend and have the option of purchasing items farmer direct and the ability to purchase from their local farmer in the future. Offering consumers, the knowledge of what food they consume and how it’s handled, produced and processed.
CLOVERDALE RODEO & COUNTRY FAIR
May 20 – 23 cloverdalerodeo.com This May Long Weekend “Get Back to Country” at the 70th Annual Cloverdale Rodeo & 128th Annual Country Fair! Our family-friendly entertainment line-up includes, rides for daredevils and little buckaroos at the area’s largest Midway * Agri Zone – Lots of animals, including their babies and 4H displays * Kidz Zone – Cowboy & Cowgirl Training * Cone Zone – kids steer go-karts through a construction zone * The West Coast Lumberjack Show * The World Freestyle Skateboard Round-Up * BC Country Music Artists * Cowboy Rib Fest – Back by popular demand – the best ribs in town! Don’t miss the 2016 Cloverdale Rodeo & Country Fair!
ALDERGROVE FAIR DAYS
July 15 – 17 aldergrovefair.ca Kicking off with a hosted Garden Tour - six local and private home gardens in the Township of Langley on Sunday, June 12th, with two Master Gardens along to answer questions. We are always pleased to present our favourites: World Fast Draw Championship, Antique Tractor and Garden Lawnmower Pull, Zucchini Luge, Kidzone, Air Pistol and Rifle demonstrations, Fairyland, Parade and lots of great local talent. In keeping with our Garden Party theme we have invited garden centres, speakers and demonstrators on all types of garden topics. We have new rides this year, some great sponsored events, along with a couple other things up our sleeves. Visit our website as we start unrolling the events and schedule of our 104th annual agricultural fair! 6
MAPLE RIDGE PITT MEADOWS COUNTRY FEST
July 23 – 24 mrpmcountryfest.com “More Than a FAIR Deal!” Enjoy the largest 4H livestock shows in B.C., Open Horse & Poultry Shows, spectacular FM freestyle Motocross show, a huge Cat Fanciers of BC Show, Girl Guides of Canada Iron Chef Competition, 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.
CHILLIWACK FAIR
August 5 – 7 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 as well as new and exiting trends being brought to life! The Fair is an opportunity to celebrate unique culture, heritage and talent of our community. We are proud to feature talented local artists, educational displays, fun competition along with excellent entertainment and delicious food. We are all about affordable fun so come join us to experience a Hometown Harvest at the 144th Annual Chilliwack Fair!
ABBOTSFORD AGRIFAIR
KISKATINAW FALL FAIR (Sunset Prairie)
July 29 – 31
August 5 – 7
agrifair.ca Get ready Abbotsford and beyond … Agrifair is the best country fair on earth! Join us July 29 to 31, 2016, for three spectacular days of your summer! Midway, Demo Derby, Lumberjacks, Racing pigs & Ducks, FMX bike show, Go – Carts, chuck wagon racing, chariot racing and SO MUCH MORE! And don’t forget to come see where your food comes from. Abbotsford is a huge farming community! We are showing guests a fun, educational and creative way to see where their food comes from. Come see the Dairy Classroom and Poultry in Motion barn, and tons of 4-H Clubs. Where else can you go to see a cow milking, baby chicks, horse shoeing and sheep sheering – all in one place? All for only $15 for three days!
TLELL FALL FAIR (Queen Charlotte)
July 31 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.
Kiskatinaw Fall Fair offers a wide variety of traditional exhibits and competitions, including; Handicrafts, Home Arts, Horticulture, Field Crops, Poultry, Rabbits, Sheep & Goats! Friday and Saturday features the popular Heavy Horse Show with Light Horse show on Sunday. Plenty of fun is offered on Saturday and Sunday such as “mud pie making”, zucchini races, face painting, free entertainment and games hosted by the local 4-H club.
DAWSON CREEK EXHIBITION & STAMPEDE
August 9 – 14 dawsoncreekfair.com The 94th Annual Dawson Creek Exhibition & Stampede features specialty events throughout the 6 days, including; Agricultural Fair * Canadian Pro Tour Rodeo * World Professional Chuckwagon Finals * Sunday Gospel Festival * Mile Long Parade * Nightly Fireworks Display * Midway Rides & Games provided by Westcoast Amusements. August 9th Kick Off Concert features CCMA Award Winners “High Valley” * Live Country Music nightly at the Watering Hole. Don’t miss the 2016 Dawson Creek Exhibition & Stampede!
more
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s bcfair learn
COOMBS FAIR – August coombsfair.com
13 - 14
Coombs Fair is celebrating 103 years of supporting agriculture in our district. The theme and featured animal to learn about this year is the ‘sheep’. There are competitive classes for all ages, lots of 4-Hers with their livestock and non-livestock projects, interactive displays and fun events like Zucchini races, chicken & duck races, ladies nail driving, children’s free zone and live entertainment on the new Centennial Log stage. Visit the TEAHOUSE and enjoy fresh made bunwiches and homemade pie. The Coombs Farmers’ Institute will host the barnyard display ‘Farmers Feed Families’ featuring local producers and growers; Learn how and where to access fresh farm products and produce. See ‘ewe’ at our little country fair and we hope you have a ‘wooly’ good time!
BCNE FALL FAIR (Prince George)
August 18 – 21 bcne.ca
VANCOUVER ISLAND EXHIBITION (Nanaimo)
August 19 - 21
August 19 – 21
nvesociety.com The annual NVE is celebrating our 50th Birthday in 2016! Our fall fair has showcased the best of agricultural and ranching, provided a venue for locals to share their talent 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 to our stage, many amazing talented musicians! Come and wander thru our extensive Exhibit Building, Commercial Beef, Small animal, 4-H and Draft Horse barns and large Indoor Arena. Co-op Mutton Bustin’ is a huge crowd pleaser along with the Heavy Horse Pull and Bull Riding! Our local 4-H clubs will be showing their many projects and hosting the ever popular BBQ and Auction Saturday night. Come join us for a truly agricultural country fair experience and help us celebrate 50 years of “From the Farm to the Fair!”
NORTH PEACE FALL FAIR (Fort St. John)
August 19 – 21 northpeacefallfair.ca An old-time country fair with exhibits of grain, vegetables, flowers, canning, baking, handicrafts, photography and children’s crafts and hobbies. There are livestock shows, including sheep, goats, horses, beef and dairy cattle, stock dogs, horses, poultry and pets! The antique tractor parade and pulling show and the heavy horse pull show are always crowd pleasers. With live entertainment on stage and a wide variety of food vendors, this is fun for the whole family! North Peace Fall Fair invites you to join us at the North Peace Fall Fair Grounds just 21km north of Fort St. John.
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This year the 104th annual BCNE is featuring “Blue Jeans and Country Dreams”! This year’s fair will showcase our Agricultural Heritage along with our Hoe Arts and Horticulture, as well we’ll inspire and entertain the younger generation. The BCNE are inviting every child in our school district to get involved with the fair, by entering an exhibit and showing off their talents. We’re opening up the 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, such as “The Voice Competition”. Enjoy thrilling midway rides provided by Westcoast Amusements, take in the newly expanded Rodeo and visit the always popular 4-H animals exhibits in our livestock barns. Together with our community partners we’re bringing back the “Northern Taste Market” there’s something for everyone at the 2016 BCNE!
NECHAKO VALLEY EXHIBITION (Vanderhoof)
viex.ca Celebrating 122 years “Summer Days & Country Ways”. 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, vintage tractor display, horse shows, community garden and logger sports …. And much more! The VIEX is fun for everyone!
MAYNE ISLAND FALL FAIR
August 20 mayneagriculturalsociety.com Mayne Island is a small community in the Southern Gulf Islands, accessed by ferry from Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island or Tsawwassen on the Mainland. Beginning with the Parade, the Fall Fair has been a tradition since 1925 and is the biggest event of the summer. In the 116-year-old Agricultural Hall, displays of produce, flowers, baking, canning, knitting, quilting, arts and crafts are a delight to behold! On the grounds, sit on a hay bale, relax and watch games and listen to music or have a cup of tea in the quiet of the Tea Room. See you at the Fair!
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Don’t miss it! September long weekend in Armstrong!
rodeo / kids world / parade barn dance / exhibitors and entertainment Armstrong, BC www.armstrongipe.com
August 31 to September 4 Celebrate our Field and Seed Division Interior Provincial Exhibition & Stampede 7
Vancouver & gulf islands Alberni District Fall Fair September 8 - 11 www.albernifair.com
2016 Fair Schedule
Black Creek Fall Fair September 10 www.blackcreek-cc.com
Cobble Hill Fair August 27 www.cobblehillfair.ca
Comox Valley Exhibition August 26 - 28 www.cvex.ca
Coombs Fair August 13 – 14 www.coombsfair.com
Cowichan Exhibition September 9 - 11 www.cowex.ca
Luxton Fall Fair September 16 - 18 www.luxtonfair.ca
Mayne Island Fall Fair August 20 www.mayneagriculturalsociety.com
Pender Island Fall Fair August 27 www.pifi.ca
Saanich Fair September 3 - 5 BC Association of Agricultural Fairs & 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 Follow us online: 8
www.saanichfair.ca
Sooke Fall Fair September 10 - 11 www.sookefallfair.ca
Vancouver Island Exhibition August 19 - 21 www.viex.ca
greater vancouver & fraser valley Abbotsford Agrifair July 29 - 31 www.agrifair.ca
Agassiz Fall Fair & Corn Festival September 16 - 17 www.agassizfallfair.com
Aldergrove Fair Days July 15 - 17
THOMPSON OKANAGAN Ashcroft & District Fall Fair September 11
Lakes District Fall Fair September 9 - 11
www.ashcroftfallfair.ca
www.ldfallfair.com
Interior Provincial Exhibition August 31 – September 4
Nechako Valley Exhibition August 19 - 21
North Thompson Fall Fair & Rodeo September 3 - 5 www.fallfair-rodeo.com
Chilliwack Fair August 5 - 7
Peachland Fall Fair September 10 - 11
www.chilliwackfair.com
www.peachlandfallfair.ca
Cloverdale Rodeo & Country Fair May 20 – 23
Princeton & District Fall Fair September 10 – 11
Day at the Farm September 10 www.deltafarmland.ca
Fair at the PNE August 20 – September 5 (Closed August 22 & 29) www.pne.ca
Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Country Fest July 23 - 24
Provincial Winter Fair September 22 - 26 www.provincialwinterfair.com
Salmon Arm Fair September 9 - 11 www.salmonarmfair.com
NORTHERN BC BC Northern Exhibition August 18 - 21 www.bcne.ca
www.mrpmcountryfest.com
CARIBOO / CHILCOTIN COAST Quesnel Fall Fair September 10 - 11 www.quesnelfallfair.com
Williams Lake Harvest Fair September 10 - 11 www.wlharvestfair.ca
www.nvesociety.com
www.armstrongipe.com
www.aldergrovefair.ca
www.cloverdalerodeo.com
NORTHERN BC
Bulkley Valley Exhibition August 25 - 28 www.bvfair.ca
Dawson Creek Exhibition & Stampede August 9 - 14 www.dawsoncreekfair.com
North Peace Fall Fair August 19 - 21 www.northpeacefallfair.ca
Tlell Fall Fair July 31 www.tlellfallfair.com
BOUNDARY / KOOTENAY Creston Valley Fall Fair September 9 - 10 Grand Forks Fall Fair August 26 - 28 www.grandforksfallfair.ca
Kootenay Country Fair September 11 www.kootenaycountryfair.com
Pass Creek Spring Fair May 14 www.passcreekfair.com
Pass Creek Fall Fair September 24 - 25 www.passcreekfair.com
Rock Creek & Boundary Fall Fair September 17 - 18 www.rockcreekfallfair.ca
Rossland Fall Fair September 10
Kiskatinaw Fall Fair August 5 - 7
BC Association of Agricultural Fairs & Exhibitions Executive COMMITTEE
directors
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Executive Committee Ann Siddall, Past President Tom Harter, 1st Vice President Karen Streeter, 2nd Vice President Glenda Reid, Finance Chair
Pamela Brenner Keith Currie Darren Dean Donna Kibble Kelly McIver
Janine Saw Ph: 778-574-4082 E: jbsaw@bcfairs.ca www.bcfairs.ca
2016 Guide to BC’s Fairs & Exhibitions PACIFIC NATIONAL EXHIBITION
GRAND FORKS FALL FAIR
August 20 – September 5
August 26 – 28
pne.ca – (Closed Aug 22 & 29) 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!
grandforksfallfair.ca
BULKLEY VALLEY EXHIBITION (Smithers)
The Grand Forks & District Fall Fair Society is pleased to present “Life in the Boundary, Then and Now” at this years’ 106th annual fair. With the cancellation of 2015’s fair due to the wildfires, all our entertainment has agreed to return to make this year bigger and better than ever! Agriculture exhibits, historical displays and informational booths will be set up throughout the grounds. Zucchini Races, Logging Shows, Magical Performances Fall Fair Farm and Exotic Reptile Show are just a few of the exciting activities schedule for the weekend. Come enjoy life in the Boundary at its best!
August 25 – 28
COBBLE HILL FALL FAIR
bvfair.ca Going Hog Wild at the 97th BVX! It’s going to be a fantastic 4 days at the Bulkley Valley Exhibition. All the great events and attractions are back; Shooting Star amusements, Rodeo, Draft Horse Show and Pull, Light Horse Shows, Hall Exhibits, Loggers Sports, 4-H Show and Sale, Livestock shows from Poultry to our feature beef breed – Simmental. Check out “What’s New” on our Facebook page and on our website. Feature entertainment includes the Canine Stars all 4 days, the dock diving, Frisbee catching rescue dogs all the way from the USA!
COMOX VALLEY EXHIBITION
August 26 – 28 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 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 fish for trout, take a hay ride, learn about the many farm animals, sink your teeth into a freshly made candy apple and then sit back and enjoy the lumberjack show, dog sports and non-stop entertainment. There is plenty of room for camping with both water and electrical hookups. Plan your summer end with the Comox Valley Exhibition!
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August 27 cobblehillfair.ca “Milk it for all it’s Worth” - Cobble Hill Fair promises family fun for everyone. Our old fashioned country fair showcases all that is great about Cowichan. Run entirely by volunteers, our fair regularly hosts more than 6,000 visitors. Start the day with South Cowichan Rotary’s fabulous pancake breakfast then you’ll be well fortified to enjoy your time with us. Watch the parade before you take in the livestock exhibits. There’s a horse show, farm animals, sheep dogs, poultry, vintage farm machinery, blacksmithing, cooper demonstrations and so much more. In the hall see domestic science, floral arts, fruit and vegetable displays. Enjoy the wonderful Women’s Institute lunch and afternoon tea. Pause for a while and take in the live entertainment on the stage or watch the youngsters in the children’s area. Join in the fun as we celebrate our agricultural roots and rural lifestyle. We look forward to welcoming you to our 107th Cobble Hill Fair.
PENDER ISLAND FALL FAIR
August 27 pifi.ca Come to Pender Island this year where we will be Celebrating Local Food with the help of our local food growing community. The Hall will showcase produce, flowers and food, as well as, art from our famous Pender Islands artists. Outside there will be livestock and poultry, entertainment and activities for all ages. At the end of the day we will have our delicious barbeque, relaxing in the shade of the trees and enjoying our talented local musicians with our community and visitors!
INTERIOR PROVINCIAL EXHIBITION (Armstrong)
August 31 - September 4 armstrongipe.com The 117th Interior Provincial Exhibition is an exciting 5-day agricultural fair - the largest event in the Interior of British Columbia with over 150,000 attendees. 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, swine, 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 the Ram Truck music stage, Kids stage and over 200 vendors, as well as the Wrangler Pro Rodeo. This year’s theme is in celebration of our Field and Seed Division with “Bushels of Fun for Everyone”
NORTH THOMPSON FALL FAIR & RODEO (Barriere)
September 3 – 5 fallfair-rodeo.com Join us Labour Day Weekend for the Annual North Thompson Fall Fair and Rodeo. Providing a full 3 days of Laughing Logger Show entertainment, BCRA Rodeo, Pony Chariot and Chuckwagon Racing, Lawn Tractor Races, 4-H and Livestock Competitions, Outdoor & Indoor Entertainment, Bingo, Amusements, Heavy Horse Pulls & Competitions, Light Horse Show, 100’s of Entries in the Exhibit Hall, Great Food, Commercial Booths and Exhibits, Children’s Area. Friday Family Dance • Saturday Fall Fair Parade & Cabaret Dance • Sunday Cowboy Concert • Monday Family Day with Family Parade, and much more. Dry camping available on site. AFFORDABLE FAMILY FUN FOR EVERYONE!
SAANICH FAIR
September 3 – 5 saanichfair.ca Come and celebrate the Saanich Fair in its 149th year on Labour Day Weekend! The Saanich Fairgrounds will be bustling with all kinds of activity for all ages. There are over 5,000 exhibits to browse through including photography, art, honey, vegetables, flowers, fruit, needle art, baking, homemade preserves, field crop displays to our junior department ages 3-16. Don’t forget to stop by one of our many concessions serving up ethnic flair. Check out the carnival games, continuous stage entertainment, Kidzone, midway, 4-H animal displays and show from rabbits to draft horses. Come out and have “EGGstreme Fun at the Fair”!
ALBERNI DISTRICT FALL FAIR
AGRICULTURAL FAIR, RODEO & EXIBITION
September 8 - 11
The Greatest Show in the Peace
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 71st 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, 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.
presents
August 9th - 14th
Tues. Aug. 9 7:00PM These two young men are making what the music industry in Nashville has called “singular,” “seminal,” and “a perfect mix of radio, revision, and respect.”
dawsoncreekfair.com
COWICHAN EXHIBITION
September 9 - 11
71st annual
cowex.ca Cowichan Exhibition is celebrating its 148th Fair, the Theme is: GUM BOOTS & GRASS ROOTS. Cowichan Exhibition features an educational experience of farming, displays and demonstrations. We also provide a competition showplace for all areas of agriculture including: field products, honey making, wine making, home gardening, home baking, canning, needlework, photography, and crafting. Our fair features a diverse venue for 4-H clubs, livestock displays and competitions. Our Spirit Stage features everything from the Pet parade to live entertainment, don’t forget to come and play on the carnival rides, enjoy some amazing food, shop at some of our vendor booths, & maybe even camp at the fair overnight. There is something for everyone of every age! Come join us for the fun.
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alberni district fair
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september 8-11, 2016
Entertainment on 2 stages, Midway, Home & Business Show, Logger Sports, Major Vehicle Raffle, Livestock Shows and Agriculture Displays.
CRESTON VALLEY FALL FAIR
September 9 – 10
The 98th 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!
2016
Wagon Wheels Ferris Wheels
LAKES DISTRICT FALL FAIR (Burns Lake)
September 9 – 11 ldfallfair.com Lakes District Fall Fair – It’s a Family A-Fair! Wholesome family entertainment at its finest in an old fashioned atmosphere. Something for all ages from horse, and cattle to bunnies and ponies! Special features include Children’s Festival and Teen Night, together with new for 2016 features; Angus Gold Show, Hereford Mark of Excellence Show and Ranch Rodeo!
www.albernifair.com 11
2016 Guide to BC’s Fairs & Exhibitions SALMON ARM FAIR
DAY AT THE FARM (Delta)
PEACHLAND FALL FAIR
September 9 – 11
September 10
September 10 – 11
salmonarmfair.com Enjoy one of the last summer weekends at the Salmon Arm Fair, September 9 – 11, 2016. The 119th fair is celebrating with the theme “Sew It, Grow It, Show It”. The Dairy Goat division is hosting the Canadian Goat Society’s West National Show and welcomes all dairy goat breeds. There will be entertainment for all ages with the miniature chuckwagon races, Saturday’s parade, Shuswap Idol plus many more and “Elvis” is back! One of the new attractions is ATV safety with the MUDD GIRLZ. Visit the Salmon Arm Fair website at www.salmonarmfair.com
BLACK CREEK FALL FAIR
September 10 blackcreek-cc.com Black Creek Fall Fair is good ol’ fashioned entertainment for the whole family! There’s 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, pony rides, 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!
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deltafarmland.ca The 11th annual event will take place on Saturday, September10 from 10 am to 4 pm at Westham Island Herb Farm. This annual event is organized by the Delta Farm and Wildlife Trust and is a great way for the entire family to learn about farming and agriculture in Delta. You can go on hay wagon tours, meet the dairy farmer, learn about chickens, crops grown in our region, see draft horses plow and listen to live music. The overall goal of this event is to give people living in the Lower Mainland an opportunity to reconnect with the land that feeds them and to learn about how these same lands provide habitat for many wildlife species.
ROSSLAND FALL FAIR
September 10 The Rossland Fall Fair takes place at the Rossland Arena on Saturday, September 10th from 11am – 5pm. This agricultural and craft exhibition encourages participants to enter a variety of categories for judging. Ribbons and prize money are awarded to the top entries! The Fair, features a Petting Zoo, Fish Pond, Live Music and entertainment, vendors and information booths. Held in conjunction with “Golden City Days” an annual weekend festival celebrating Rossland’s rich gold-mining history. For a unique family experience, come to Rossland for this “old-fashioned community” celebration and enjoy all that the “Golden City” has to offer!
peachlandfallfair.ca Welcome to the home of the Peachland Fall Fair! 2016 will be the 97th Fair to be held in Peachland with entertainment on Saturday and Sunday and this year you have a great opportunity to enter things you have grown. You might even win a prize! 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, plant some seeds to nurture, crochet or knit something, quilt, carve or build, photograph or start a batch of wine brewing.
PRINCETON & DISTRICT FALL FAIR
September 10 – 11 The 51st Annual Fall Fair will take place at the Princeton Exhibition Grounds. Features include the Langley Riders Drill Team, Rainbow the Clown, traditional exhibits of livestock, crafts, crops and friendly competitions! Join us for a pancake breakfast, visit the petting zoo, watch the horseshoe tournament and visit the many vendors for great food and unique gifts!
QUESNEL FALL FAIR
WILLIAMS LAKE HARVEST FAIR
September 10 – 11
September 10 – 11
quesnelfallfair.com
wlharvestfair.ca
The Quesnel Agricultural & Exhibition Association hosts a free entertaining, educational agricultural fall fair. We create a wide array of agricultural displays encouraging interaction and viewing for the urban public. Our goal is to encourage people to appreciate rural lifestyles and to consider incorporating aspects of agriculture into their own lives. Having an admission FREE event is very important to our organization as it make our fair affordable and attractive to everyone!
SOOKE FALL FAIR
September 10 – 11 sookefallfair.ca Sooke Fall Fair is incorporating the Pulses and all their health benefits for the soil and for our health at our 102nd Annual fun filled fair! Pulses are annual legumes which includes chickpeas, beans, lentils, peas and fava beans. Pulses are readily grown all over the world and serve as a high source of protein to many nations. Pulses are not only high in protein but also virtually fat free and high in magnesium. They are beneficial for diabetes, heart health and weight loss. They also fix the nitrogen in our soils and provide high protein foods for our livestock. Come and see how we are incorporating the pulses in a fun way!
The Williams Lake Harvest Fair is an annual event held each fall in the Caribbo/Chilcottin. In 2016 we will be celebrating our 40th year. We will be hosting the 4th annual Ranch Challenge. Come cheer on the cowboys and cowgirls as they compete in a variety of events such as cattle sorting, trailer loading and saddle horse race. The Westcoast Lumber Jack Show will be back this year with performances on both days! Our gymkhana will be held on Sunday. Check out our exhibit hall bursting at the seams with quilts, photos, canning, baking, flowers and handicrafts. Let the kids play in our children’s area or enjoy the free local entertainment running on our outdoor stage. Don’t miss the Agricultural displays and demonstrations!
ASHCROFT & DISTRICT FALL FAIR - Drylands Arena
September 11 ashcroftfallfair.ca This year we invite you to “Come VEG out” at the Ashcroft & District Fall Fair. “Lettuce” entertain you on Sunday, September 11th with a great entertainment lineup, all new, all ages, AGtivity Centre featuring veggie related crafts and activities and lots of fantastic vendors and food. “Turnip” and try your hand at the Zucchini Races, or enter our aMOOzing Race with your kids. If you “carrot” all about having a good “thyme” you won’t miss this year’s fair. See you there.
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2016 Guide to BC’s Fairs & Exhibitions KOOTENAY COUNTRY FAIR (Fort Steele)
September 11 kotenaycountryfair.com The annual Kootenay Country Fair is held at the scenic Fort Steele Heritage Town. There are over 100 categories for local gardeners, bakers, artists and crafters to enter and display the fruits of their labour! The local 4-H is present with their animals and achievements; local entertainers fill the town with music throughout the day and a growing market cover the lawns! Face painters, games for kids and demonstrations from wood carving to horsemanship round out a fun filled day for the entire family!
AGASSIZ FALL FAIR & CORN FESTIVAL
September 16 – 17 agassizfallfair.com Celebrating our 112th Fall Fair and 68th Corn Festival, this year’s theme is “the Year of the Pumpkin”. Our midway has one of the best collections of rides for a fair. Visit the Agricultural Hall to 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, and many other projects! Saturday features include; Parade, Crowning of the Corn King/Queen, musicians and dancers, Corn Husking Competition, Goat Milking Contest, Antique Tractor Pull, BMX Bike Demonstration, Lawn Mower Races, Farmer’s Market, and 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.
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LUXTON FALL FAIR
September 16 – 18 luxtonfair.ca Celebrating 106 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, 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.
ROCK CREEK & BOUNDARY FALL FAIR
September 17 - 18 rockcreekfallfair.ca Rock Creek Fall Fair are celebrating 100 years of the Rock Creek Women’s Institute –Sew It, Grow It, Show It. Women’s Institutes have been the cornerstones of communities across this country and our local groups have been key contributors to our Fair. The Fall Fair experience offers quality free live entertainment, competitive classes in art and photography, handicrafts, sewing, preserves, baking, field and garden produce. Our livestock show offers a variety of horse classes; motorsport events and midway provided by Shooting Star Amusements, together with games and activities are popular with fairgoers. The drought and ensuing wildfires which swept through our area last summer, just a month prior to the Fair, made the following weeks and months challenging for those whose homes and properties had been devastated. Friends, neighbours and even strangers came together offering services and support, while financial aid poured in from individuals and organizations around the province. We invite you all to come celebrate the resiliency of the Boundary communities at the 2016 Fair this September and experience how your support has contributed to the clean-up and rebuilding process.
PROVINCIAL WINTER FAIR (Barriere)
September 22 – 26 provincialwinterfair.com The Provincial Winter Fair Society’s annual fair highlights the benefits of supporting and promoting agriculture through our youth. Over 225 dedicated 4-H youths will gather to celebrate their hard work and dedication to their projects. Included with numerous entertaining and educational events are a variety of interesting displays and vendors. Our live auction also gives you the opportunity to take home some top quality meat from the beef, sheep and goat projects, and some beautiful creations from quilting to photography. Come celebrate the “Head, Heart, Health and Hands” at the 2016 Provincial Winter Fair.
PASS CREEK REGIONAL FALL FAIR (Robson)
September 24 – 25 passcreekfair.com Saturday and Sunday Fun for All Ages Family Carnival, Bubbles the Clown and Children’s Bounce tent, Blacksmith demos, Old Fashioned Thrashing demo, Fall Fair Exhibits, Value Village, Educational Displays, Farmer for a Day, Small Farm Animal Displays, Miniature Golf for duffers of all ages!
Where History Comes to Life
May 23 | August 1 | September 5 Market Mondays: Come check out the locally produced items. Thanks to our partners:
604-297-4565 | burnabyvillagemuseum.ca 15
We’re here to satisfy your thirst for fun! West Coast amusemen ts
W o r l d Cl a s s Ca r n i va l Based in British Columbia, west coast amusements is the largest Canadian midway operation in western canada, and one of the few that remains family operated. ContaCt us or CheCk our Website for more information
Unit 1: Unit 2 & 4: Unit 1:
604-328-2121 604-328-2325 604-328-2326
westcoastamusements.com
rides • games • concessions • fun for everyone