Fair celebrates the Shuswap’s rural roots

Annual Fall Fair runs Friday, Sept. 7 to Sunday, Sept. 9 at the Salmon Arm Fairgrounds.

Wacky and wonderful wobbly balls will be a feature of this year's Salmon Arm Fall Fair, which runs Sept. 7 to 9 at the fairgrounds.

Wacky and wonderful wobbly balls will be a feature of this year's Salmon Arm Fall Fair, which runs Sept. 7 to 9 at the fairgrounds.

Look for some new energy and excitement at this year’s fall fair.

Over at the midway, fairgoers will be able to test their bravery by hopping aboard the Kamikaze, a ride that consists of a single stationary tower, supporting two 16-passenger gondolas on rotating arms.

During the ride, passengers are swung backwards and forwards to build up momentum, before the gondola performs several inversions.

For those who like a gentler experience closer to the ground, Mark Gagnon will be bringing a bunch of wobbly water balls.

Climb into a zippered ball, which is inflated around the “rider,” who then tries to walk on water – learning quickly that falling down can sometimes be a great deal of fun.

Also added to the entertainment roster is Kris Garwasiuk, a freestyle motocross performer. Garwasiuk was the first 15-year-old in Canada to turn pro in the sport of free-styling and continued on to win the Canadian Championships, appear in two video games, and become the only Canadian to compete in his sport at the X-Games.

Thrill seekers can find Garwasiuk at Fifth Avenue between the north and south grounds where he will be performing a number of jaw-dropping stunts.

The Salmon Arm Fall Fair is promising some more first-class entertainment at this year’s event, including performances by the king himself.

Yes, Elvis will be in the building.

Penticton native Adam Fitzpatrick is a favourite to many in Salmon Arm, where he has performed as Elvis, with all the right moves and charismatic singing. Elvis will appear on-stage Saturday, Sept. 8 at 12:45 p.m. with the music of a young Elvis. At 2:30 p.m., he’ll bring the music of Elvis’ 1968 comeback and at 4 he’ll perform the Vegas years.

Sunday performances include the young Elvis at 1 p.m. and the Vegas years at 4 p.m.

There’s plenty of familiar favourites to enjoy at the fair – antique tractor display, parade, heavy horse pull, scarecrow competition, the Shuswap Idols, and old-time trades such as blacksmithing.

Bring a can or two

Salmon Arm Fall Fair officials would like to invite the community to donate to a good cause during the parade Saturday, Sept. 8.

Staff and volunteers of this year’s fall fair would like to remind spectators that they will once again be collecting food for the Salvation Army Food Bank throughout the annual parade.

All non-perishable food items will be appreciated. The parade begins at 10:45 a.m.

As well as expanding activities, the association would like to broaden membership, and extends a warm welcome to anyone who may be interested.

“We are looking for volunteers of all ages and walks of life who are passionate about agriculture, community events, the fair and maintaining green space in the heart of our community,” says Cheryl Johnson, a representative of the association’s marketing committee. “We need volunteers who enjoy light carpentry, public relations, event planning, local history and creating lasting friendships.”

For more information, visit www.salmonarmfair.com or contact the association at  safallfair@shaw.ca.

 

Salmon Arm Observer