Show off those mad pandemic-honed skillz

Fall Fair 2022 • September 24 & 25 • noon til 5 pm

BY PIETA WOOLLEY

Apart from during WWII and the COVID-19 pandemic, the Powell River Farmers’ Agricultural Institute’s annual Fall Fair fundraiser has been a constant here in qathet since 1932. The last Powell River Fall Fair was in September of 2019.

During that two-year break, many of us puttered around at home sharpening our self-sufficiency skills: growing vegetables, sewing quilts, baking sourdough, canning jams, tending new-to-us chickens.

Now, here we are in nearly mask-free 2022. Armageddon didn’t come, but as of later this month, the Fall Fair surely will.

Inside this issue of qathet Living you’ll find a guide to entering dozens of categories, with the chance to win a ribbon and bragging rights. Some categories won’t surprise you, such as “savoy cabbage” or “fibre rabbits.” Others might. “Lego, no kits,” in the junior category. Photography on the theme of “bringing families and farmers together.” Fly-tying. (We want to know how to apply to judge the cinnamon bun contest. Not to mention “Liqueur – any homemade.”)

PAINTED PONY: Do-Little Farms will bring Hands on Horses back to the Fall Fair. This popular event is a favourite with the little ones who get to paint their hands and put their handprints on a horse!

HORSE SHOW: Fall Fair goers are invited to wander over to the Powell River Trail Riders ring to check out a variety of equine demonstrations from noon to 5 pm on Saturday, September 24 and Sunday, September 25. Milan Jackson, show spokesperson, says there will be driving and reining demonstrations, gymkhana and mounted games on the Saturday. A working equitation percentage day, where riders will complete both a dressage test and an obstacle course, is scheduled for the Sunday.

Even if you don’t enter anything, make sure to drop by and enjoy what this region’s most skilled and creative folks have produced this year. Listen to live music, visit friendly animals, ride the miniature train, cheer on the zucchini and potato sack racers, see the glorious fruits, vegetables, canning, baking, knitting, quilting and so much more, all for just $5 (kids 12 and under free.) Like Blackberry Fest, it’s just good to be back.