An annual tradition that many look upon fondly will be back in town this weekend (Aug. 25-26) after a wildfire hiatus last year.
The Quesnel Fall Fair will rejoin forces with the local 4-H club to put on an entertainment extravaganza on the grounds of Alex Fraser Park and the Quesnel & District Arts and Recreation Centre.
“We’re going to have a ton of animals and a ton of kids,” says organizer Melissa Pollock, “so it”ll be amazing.”
While the event may be known more for agricultural reasons, there should be something for everyone to enjoy.
Kids will be able to take advantage of the large variety of bouncy castles that will be available in which to fling themselves around inside.
A selection for all ages will be brought to town by Prince George-based LA promotions, including the perennial favourite bouncy mechanical bull.
Liz McMann, also known as the Chainsaw Girl, will put on three demonstrations a day on Saturday and Sunday. She has performed to much acclaim at the Calgary Stampede, the Merritt Mountain Festival and many more events across the west.
She is from Quesnel, so will be eager to put on amazing shows in front of the home crowd.
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For the gluttonous, or those looking to have a great laugh, a pie-eating contest will take place on both Saturday and Sunday, with all proceeds from the contest going to Pet Safe Coalition Society of Canada.
Rodeo and western aficionados will enjoy the Back Country Horsemen’s packing demo, which is expected to be phenomenal; and for a bit more action, locals can catch the big barrel and poles race on Sunday.
The light horse show that was expected to take place on Saturday is unfortunately cancelled due to air quality.
Arts and crafts will be front and centre in the West Fraser Timber Room of the Rec Centre.
Everything from quilting to baking, painting, photography and kids craft projects will be on display.
Some of the finest flowers, fruits and vegetables to be found in the area will be judged on Friday night and laid out for inspection with their winning ribbons on the weekend.
Animal lovers can come check out the pet parade, where kids come show off their furry friends. Awards will be handed out for longest and shortest tail, most tricks and curliest hair.
The miniature horse show on Sunday should be good for a belly laugh or two, especially during the costume show portion.
Farmers are encouraged to come check out the equipment demos as John Deere and New Holland dealers will be on the grounds showing off their wares to prospective buyers.
ATVs, including side-by-sides and quads will be on site for those interested in getting a new vehicle to hit some great trails with this fall.
This will be the first year in which 4-H and the Fall Fair hold their events together in some time. The two events used to be held at the same time near the end of August, but parents were concerned that there wasn’t enough transition time between 4-H and the school year, so it was moved back a couple weeks.
“It was a mutual agreement that we would get together and we think it will benefit both of us,” says vice president of the Quesnel Fall Fair, Lisa Larson, “There’s more for the public to see all in one place, so it’s just a good community move.”
Events take place at Alex Fraser Park Aug. 25 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Aug. 26 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Arts and crafts for children, hosted by the Quesnel and District Arts Council, will take place at the Rec Centre Aug. 25-26 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Visit www.quesnelfallfair.com or www.facebook.com/quesnelfallfair for more information.
ronan.odoherty@quesnelobserver.com
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