The countdown towards the 75th North Thompson Fall Fair and Rodeo is on and the excitement in the valley is building. Work crews have been busy preparing the fairgrounds for this major annual event which kicks off Saturday, Aug. 31.
Even though things are shaping up there is, as always, so much to accomplish and recruiting volunteers is key to the success of this huge event. Do you have skills, time and expertise to contribute? Help is needed in all areas leading up to and during the ever popular fair held on Labour Day weekend.
If you have some time to spare, volunteers will be needed in cleaning, maintenance, and painting around the grounds as well as creating decorations for those final touches. The North Thompson Fall Fair and Rodeo Association (NTFFRA) is seeking volunteers for preparing meals and snacks to feed fellow volunteers in the busy weeks heading into the fair as well.
Many hands are needed for a wide range of jobs leading up to and during the fair and if you are interested in being part of this hard working, fun, rewarding team please feel free to drop by the fairgrounds in Barriere to talk to an NTFFRA member or give Beverly Murphy a call at: 250-819-5684.
Now is also the time to get your entries in before the deadlines for the exhibit hall, plan for your place in the parades, or decorate your yards or your business for the ‘Best Decorated’ contest.
Entries for the best decorated business must be received by Friday, August 23 and should come with a scan or photo and emailed to: houtep.productions@gmail.com or contact Margaret Houben at: 250-682-9330 for pick up or drop off information.
Fall Fair Catalogues are located around Barriere in various locations with more information. There will be an office set up in downtown Barriere at the Little and Large Liquidations open on select days from August 22, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The NTFFRA Ambassador Coronation will kick off the fair on August 24 starting at 7 p.m. at the Fall Fair Hall. This special evening is where the ambassadors are chosen to represent the NRFFRA and everyone is welcome to attend.
The Family Dance takes place on August 30 starting at 7 p.m. in the Fall Fair Hall sponsored by The Thompson Valley Players with dancing, prizes and fun for the whole family.
Saturday August 31 is the official opening day for the Fall Fair with the big parade assembling from the Station House Restaurant parking lot at 9 a.m. and heading for the fairgrounds at approximately 10:30 a.m. this year.
Special guests will be the Kamloops Rube Band marching in the parade this year and performing at the opening ceremonies.
There will be many great features this year including the exciting BC Rodeo Association Polaris Championship Rodeo Finals with a newly added Jumbotron screen to enhance viewing. Eagle Vision Productions from Fort St. John will be bringing their Jumbotron relay screen to The North Thompson Fall Fair and Rodeo. The replay screen has been a vision of The Rodeo Chairman Carmen Ross for a long time, “I’m so very grateful for all the sponsors that have come on board to bring this vision to life. The spectators will enjoy a replay of the contestants run, watch the timer clock, and can also watch standings on the screen. There will be the ‘Kiss Cam,’ ‘Dance Cam,’ and ‘Look Alike Cam’ to add an extra charge of fun to an already great experience,” says Ross.
The ever-popular Tractor Races, Molson’s featured in the beer gardens, the Kids Zone with new amusements and Uncle Chris the Clown, who is always a fan favourite, celebrating 25 years with the Fall Fair.
“There are so many new things happening and new features to enjoy during this Labour Day Weekend and we are hoping folks pick up their Fall Fair Catalogue for the details and be ready to take part in the 75th North Thompson Fall Fair & Rodeo celebration,” says NTFFRA member, Beverly Murphy.
