Saanich Fair marks Canada 150
Mark the Labour Day long weekend, the unofficial end of summer, at the Saanich Fair, featuring three days of agricultural displays, entertainment, food and midway rides, from Saturday to Monday at the Saanich Fairgrounds.
More than 45,000 visitors typically attend the fair over its threeday run. The event is Western Canada’s oldest continuous agricultural fair — at 149 just a year short of Canada’s 150, which is the theme of this year’s fair.
“We have 28 sections this year, with each section featuring heritage seeds or breeds,” said Clara Knight, president of the North and South Saanich Agricultural Society, which hosts the event.
True to its agrarian roots, the fair will have displays and competitions of farm animals, including alpacas, chickens, donkeys, rabbits, ducks and cattle. Apart from livestock competitions, with judges determining the best animal in each category, there will be a draft horse single- log skid demonstration, parades of donkeys, llamas and alpacas, an obstacle race, a milking demonstration and flower arranging.
The Sheep to Shawl event runs from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.
There will be a square-dancing demonstration, the ever-popular zucchini races and entertainment from Allegro Performing Arts and Band of Rascals on Saturday and Canadian rock icon Kim Mitchell on Sunday (evening concerts are included with the price of admission).
Young members of 4-H clubs (head, heart, health and hands) will be in attendance, showing off their skills in animal-husbandry, photography, presentations, halter making, swine showmanship, horticulture, small engines and outdoor living.
For children, there will be a crowing contest, pedal tractor races and a toddler zone.
You can sign up for eating contests featuring pies, ice cream, watermelon and cupcakes.
Check out the tables heavy with blue ribbon-adorned baked goods, prize-winning jams and jellies in the agricultural hall.
Other attractions include midway rides, vendors and information booths offering everything from crafts to funeral services.
“People will find interactive displays in every department,” Knight said. “We want to give fairgoers the chance to see, do, make and enjoy.”
Admission is $13 for adults on Saturday and Sunday, $12 on Monday; $8 for seniors and youth on Saturday and Sunday, $7 on Monday; free for children six and under every day. Midway wristbands for rides cost $40 on Saturday and Sunday and $35 on Monday.
Gates open at 8 a.m. daily and close at 9 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and 6 p.m. on Monday (results of the auction and raffle draw at 6:30 p.m. Monday).
Saanich Fairgrounds is at 1528 Stelly’s Cross Rd. in Saanichton.
No dogs. For information, go to saanichfair.ca.