Thomas Christen loves chickens. His grandmother had chickens when Thomas was growing up and the love affair has lasted into his adult life. He spent several years in the 4-H program and although he carried various other livestock projects, he always had his chickens.
At the ripe old age of 15, Thomas threw his hat in the Fall Fair ring and since 2009 he’s been a director with the organization, focusing on, you guessed it, chickens. Well the Fur and Feather component of the Fall Fair which he’s happy to report also includes chickens. He is now the vice-president of the Fall Fair and also the secretary of the Fur and Feather Association.
Thomas now lives and works in town so no chance he can have chickens but he does have a conure, a miniature parrot.
“She’s great but she ain’t no chicken,” he said with a laugh.
Thomas vowed he’d have chickens in life again once he has a bit of land and a place to keep them.
However, Thomas gets his chicken fix each year as he prepares for the Fur and Feather Show at the Fall Fair, slated this year for Sept. 10 – 11. Although membership in the fur and feather organization is limited, each year the public is invited to bring their prize poultry, water fowl and sometimes even exotic birds along with stellar rabbit exhibits to be judged.
The prize book, which also contains entry forms for all the various categories of the Fall Fair, should be out any time now, however, entry forms are available right now on the website quesnelfallfair.com.
“We’d love to encourage more volunteers as well, so if you’d like to be involved and happen to love chickens (or any other poultry, water fowl, exotic birds, or rabbits) drop by the Fur and Feather buildings during the Fall Fair and submit your name or just look for me on the grounds,” Thomas said.
He added the poultry show judging is Saturday morning at 9 a.m. and the fur and feather barns are closed during this time, but the rabbit show is Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m. and the public is encouraged to watch this portion of the judging.
Now just when you thought you have learned all you could about Thomas, he also revealed he’s in charge of the livestock shows and displays in the Agri-plex.
For that portion of the Fall Fair, Thomas said there is a sheep show on Saturday at 11 a.m. and a goat show the same day at 1:30 p.m. And just for the fun of it, there’s a costume class show at 3 p.m. on Saturday as well. These events are hosted by the North Cariboo Sheep Producers Association.
He added for the second year in a row there’s the Donkey Days with an informative and entertaining display including live donkeys.
Also of interest are cattle displays, swine displays, Thomas’ very own Fall Fair historical display and the Quesnel Woodturners Association will be demonstrating their skills in the Agri-plex as well.
“We’re bringing back the Farmers’ Lounge where the public can get a free cup of coffee, take a rest and visit with local farmers,” Thomas said.
The Fur and Feather buildings are located right behind the Agri-plex.
Quesnel Fall Fair is a family-friendly activity and as such there is no charge to attend. All venues are free including Agri-plex events, West Fraser Timber Room arts and agriculture events, wiener dog races, pig and duck races, vendors row, Fur and Feather show and continuous two-day entertainment.