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NT Fall Fair gets B.C. gaming grant

North Thompson Fall Fair and Rodeo Association based in Barriere, garnered a grant for $25,000
96059barriereJill-Gary-Terry-MinofAgPatPimm
Agriculture Minister Pat Pimm recently stopped in Barriere to tour the North Thompson Agriplex with Kamloops-North Thompson MLA and Minister of Health Terry Lake. Pictured are: (l-r) MLA Terry Lake

The B.C. government is supporting agricultural fairs, British Columbia’s annual celebrations of rural heritage and the bounty of the land, featuring great traditions such as livestock competitions, 4-H activities and red ribbon prizes for best jams, jellies and pies, Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Coralee Oakes announced this week.

This year 20 agricultural fairs in communities throughout British Columbia will share $689,500 in gaming grants from the B.C. government.

The North Thompson Fall Fair and Rodeo Association based in Barriere is one of the recipients, garnering a grant for $25,000 for facility maintenance and upgrades.

Other recipients are:

* $100,000 - Interior Provincial Exhibition and Stampede (Armstrong)

* $80,000 - Abbotsford Agrifair

* $70,000 - Prince George Exhibition

* $50,000 - Lower Fraser Valley Exhibition (Surrey)

* $48,000 - Kamloops Exhibition

* $40,000 - Comox Valley Exhibition Association Fall Fair (Courtenay)

* $40,000 - Coombs Fair (Arrowsmith Agricultural Association)

* $40,000 - Vancouver Island Exhibition (Nanaimo)

* $37,000 - Salmon Arm Fall Fair

* $33,000 - Chilliwack Fair

* $30,000 - Bulkley Valley Exhibition (Smithers)

* $22,000 - Dawson Creek Exhibition and Stampede

* $20,000 - Alberni District Fall Fair (Port Alberni)

* $16,500 - Lakes District Fall Fair (Burns Lake)

* $10,000 - Cranbrook Rodeo (Wycliffe Exhibition Association)

* $10,000 - Quesnel Fall Fair

* $7,500 - Nicola Valley Fall Fair (Merritt)

* $5,500 - Sooke Fall Fair

* $5,000 - Grand Forks and District Fall Fair

Agriculture Minister Pat Pimm noted, “Agriculture is an essential part of the history and economy of British Columbia, and the first agriculture fair was held in Victoria in 1861. Today, agriculture fairs continue the tradition of celebrating and showcasing our agriculture industry in communities throughout the province. I encourage all to support B.C. farmers and communities by visiting local fairs or exhibitions and buying local foods throughout the year.”

As diverse as their host communities, agricultural fairs reflect the economic vitality and cultural legacy of farming and ranching in British Columbia. Fairs feature traditional agricultural exhibits, as well as providing valuable promotional opportunities to showcase regional economies. In addition, participating local organizations and non-profit societies provide public education about their programs and services.