The Provincial Winter Fair (PWF) has taken place for 72 years. For 34 of those years, the PWF has taken place at the Kamloops Exhibition Association facility on the Kamloops Indian Reserve. Due to a lease that was not renewed in 2006 with the City of Kamloops, and more recent changes that have taken place regarding the focus of the facility under the guidance of the Kamloops Indian Band, the Winter Fair found itself without a suitable facility to hold their 2011 event.
However, discussion has taken place for some time with the North Thompson Fall Fair and Rodeo Association (NTFFRA), and on Jan. 15 the PWF voted to accept the hospitality extended by the NTFFRA and they will be bringing their fair to Barriere for 2011.
“I am really happy that the Provincial Winter Fair (PWF) has made the decision to come to Barriere for their 2011 Fair.,” said NTFFRA president Donna Kibble, “This will definitely be an exciting time for our community and I’m sure the town will support and welcome them. Having the Winter Fair in Barriere will bring thousands of people into our community over a five day period and will be a huge benefit to promoting our town and our fairgrounds. Many of the livestock exhibitors that attend the North Thompson Fall Fair and Rodeo will return for the PWF along with other exhibitors from around the province. We are proud that the PWF has chosen our fairgrounds for their 2011 fair, and we intend to help them in any way we can to make this a great experience for everyone.”
The PWF features displays, crafts, food vendors, and livestock and 4H classes, as well as a large banquet for award presentations. The finale of the event is a livestock auction of 4H market beef and lambs on the Monday. This auction is where the 4H competitors sell their animals to recoup costs and to start up their livestock projects for the coming year.
The 73rd Provincial Winter Fair will be held September 22 to 26, at the fall fair grounds in Barriere.