Animal magnetism draws tens of thousands to Armstrong fair
There was no shortage of farm animals at the Armstrong fair on the holiday weekend, with everything from goats and pigs to llamas and every kind of chicken imaginable.
The 118th annual Interior Provincial Exhibition attracted thousands of visitors over the five days of the fair, which ended on Sunday.
“It’s a nice finale to everyone’s summer before the kids go back to school,” said Yvonne Paulson, IPE general manager.
Paulson attributed the high volume of visitors to the sunny, hot weather and the long-standing fondness many people have for the fair.
“I talked to a woman this morning who has been coming here for 30 years,” said Paulson on Saturday, adding this year’s fair was beyond her expectations. “I’m really thrilled to see everyone coming out and supporting it, and I appreciate everyone’s patience, because there’s a lot of people here.”
The population of Armstrong, around 5,000, typically swells to about 150,000 on IPE weekend, said Paulson.
“We’re bursting at the seams, but there’s room for everyone,” she said.
This year’s theme was Field to Plate, celebrating agriculture in Canada for the country’s 150th birthday.
“Agriculture has been a part of Canada for hundreds of years, and so with Canada celebrating its 150th this year, we thought we’d celebrate along with Canada,” said Paulson.
The IPE is a great opportunity for people to get close to animals
It’s a nice finale to everyone’s summer before the kids go back to school. Yvonne Paulson
and learn more about agriculture and the importance of buying local food, said Paulson.
“If people have never been to a farm, this gives them a close encounter with one,” she said. “Agriculture in Canada is so important, and we have to continue to support it. I’d like people to go to the barns and really think about their dinner and where they’re getting their ingredients from.”
Every year, the IPE board chooses a charity to donate funds to. This year’s charity of choice was the Armstrong branch of the Royal Canadian Legion.
“They’re trying to raise money so they can stay afloat, because the Royal Canadian Legion is at risk of closing various memberships
across Canada, so they’re hoping to not have that happen to their branch,” said Paulson.
Fundraising was done through the 4-H pig and sheep auction on Friday night, with proceeds from some of the auction items going to the legion branch.