There’s still time to take in all of the action.
The gates at the 113th annual Interior Provincial Exhibition don’t close until late tonight and huge crowds will fill the popular Armstrong attraction before then.
“We are expecting good crowds because the weather is looking good,” said Bryan Burns, general manager.
Attendance was 16,320 Wednesday (16,897 in 2011) and 19,105 Thursday (19,026).
Figures for Friday and Saturday were not known by press time but a steady flow of people was projected.
“Friday is generally our third busiest day, with Saturday and Sunday first and second,” said Burns.
Fair-goers have come from across B.C. and Alberta, with residents of the North Okanagan making up the vast majority.
But 28 per cent also comes from the Central Okanagan, and particularly Kelowna, and that’s where much of the IPE’s advance marketing takes place.
“There are a lot of new people moving into the Okanagan and we need to make them aware of the IPE,” said Burns.
Among the highlights for people has been checking out the livestock, and new this year is an outside area for a sow and her piglets.
“It’s just a great spot to see them up close,” said Burns.
There has also been steady traffic in the midway and at Extreme Wild and loggers’ shows.
The evening rodeo has also been packing people in at the grandstand.
“We have the top 32 cowboys in Canada here and Calgary Stampede stock,” said Burns.
A steady menu of entertainment is also available at the food court.
“There’s everything from blues and country to rock and roll,” said Burns, who is urging people to head to the fair today for the first time or a repeat visit.
“There’s so much for people to see and do here.”
