The award winning North Thompson Fall Fair and Rodeo will be celebrating its 66th year this Labour Day weekend of Sept 5 -7 in Barriere, B.C.
There already seems to be a lot of excitement going on regarding what’s known as “the best old time country fair anywhere”.
“Our members work very hard to present the kind of fair that will give all age groups a day of fun, entertainment, and a chance to learn how agriculture contributes to our daily lives,” says NTFFRA president Jill Hayward, “We also like to think this annual fair shows visitors to the area who the folks who live in the North Thompson Valley are, where we have come from, and where we are going. We believe this year’s event will deliver just that, and more.”
Hayward says this year’s theme for the fair is ‘goats’ in celebration of the Year of the Goat. And she tells that the big fall fair parade will travel through Barriere on Saturday at 11 a.m., culminating in the rodeo arena, where opening ceremonies will take place and then be followed by three days of BCRA fast paced rodeo action.
“Stand up and cheer” will be the order of the day with lawn mower races, pony chariot and chuckwagon racing tearing up the track during the rodeo performances, and the last event of the day Saturday and Sunday is the much awaited heavy horse pull.
An outdoor stage has a full line-up of country and western music, all under the care of stage manager Gordie West. Kids will love renowned magician Clinton W. Gray, and of course the young people’s favourite, Uncle Chris the Clown.
Favourite events to take in this year will be the Friday night family dance (all ages – no alcohol); the traditional Cabaret Dance on Saturday night, and the Sunday evening Cowboy Concert, all in the fall fair hall.
Livestock shows, 4H competitions and Light Horse events will run throughout the weekend as will numerous other livestock, poultry and rabbit competitions. A great opportunity to get up close and personal with a lamb, or guess how much a project beef animal weighs.
Kids and families can play on the bouncy castles, super slide, climbing wall, mechanical bull, junior train or find their way out of the giant maize. Their are oodles of interesting displays to peruse and enjoy while gaining useful knowledge about agriculture and where our food comes from. And don’t forget to gather the kids together and participate in the Family Parade on Monday morning.
A special feature for kids this year will be the free woodworking tent with facilitator Glen Stanley, who will help each youngster to make their own take home wooden planter.
The North Thompson Agriplex banquet hall, will be featuring a full house of commercial vendors and displays, with information regarding healthy living and agriculture in the North Thompson Valley.
Games, commercial exhibits, concessions, and of course three full days of Bingo.
The Lion’s Club pancake breakfast starts at 7 a.m. each day, and visitors can sit it in the shade of the indoor picnic area, pat a pony, enjoy an ice cream, participate in a free workshop or meet a 4-H family.
“For three days folks will be able to fully experience the sights, sounds, smells and nostalgia of a real country fair,” says Hayward, “You can get back to nature’s bounty at the companion garden, sing along with great musicians, learn about valley heritage, visit with friends, and even feel the wind in your hair as the pony chariots or chuckwagons thunder past. We’re inviting everyone to come to the fair!”
For more information go to www.fallfair-rodeo.com.