Deerland Vegreville Country Fair Features Great Line Up of Events

Deerland Vegreville Country Fair Features Great Line Up of Events

Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser

Bigger, Better, Stronger Than Ever.

That’s the theme of this year’s annual Vegreville Country Fair, and organizers with the Vegreville Agricultural Society, (VAS) have been working feverishly behind the scenes to put together an unforgettable event.

This year’s fair, which runs from August 4-8, has been extended from three to five days and promises to have something for everyone.

“We used to be a three-day fair, but with COVID-19 we increased it to five to spread out the crowd and to accommodate two more days of chuckwagons and chariots,” stated VAS President Al Baxandall.

In terms of organization, Baxandall said, “There’s been more planning than usual, partly because we had a break and didn’t do much last year; just a drive-in parade and fireworks, so you have to reorganize everybody. It takes away momentum of volunteers, extending the dates, so you have to retrain everybody.”

Al Baxandall outside VAS headquarters.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Baxandall said they are doubling the number of volunteers for this year’s fair, and he expects to have 200 volunteers helping out during the event. “This is one of the first years that I can recall groups coming out asking to be a part of it and wanting to give back.”

The fair officially kicks-off with the parade on August 4. Baxandall said it will be a different route this year. It will begin at VCHS and head down 60th street and then head all the way down 45 Avenue to the fair grounds where it will end.

“The benefit of this is there’s lots of places for people stretch out and they don’t have to be crowded like they were on main street. The route is actually longer and there will be more places to stand and more places to park. So, it should be a better parade. It’s just not going to hit downtown.”

One of the most popular events are the chuckwagon and chariot races. “They have a very strong following in western Canada and here in Vegreville, and they always draw big crowds in the grandstands.”

There will also be a three-day horse show for agricultural buffs to enjoy. The Mini Tractor Pulls are very popular with the youngsters and will be back in full swing.

Of course, the midway is another one of the most popular attractions for people to enjoy. There will also be a kid’s zone, bouncy castle, petting zoo. One of the featured entertainers is Abygale Durie from the Ranfurly area. Baxandall said it is nice to be able to feature home grown talent and is hoping for great attendance during the performances.

Exhibit hall will showcase other homegrown products and hand-crafted items for fair goers. All in all, Baxandall said they have tried to put together a wide variety of different events and attractions so there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

Baxandall said the fair is a great opportunity for family and friends to reunite and made new memories together. The fair is tradition for many families in the area, and that was the case for Baxandall growing up, and when his children grew up. Now they all help out in any way they can to make the fair a success.

He is hoping many families throughout the region will attend the fair and enjoy all of the fun-filled activities that will surely bring smiles to the faces of young and old alike.