As the 113th annual Interior Provincial Exhibition and Stampede begins its five-day run today in Armstrong, it’s worth paying tribute to all those people who make it a reality year after year after….
That’s the first thing that impresses one at first glance. It’s been around for well over a century and it still stands for a tradition of community and volunteerism that will likely attract in excess of 150,000 people to the fairgrounds this year.
And they will enjoy some of the traditional favourites, like the 4-H shows, the entertainment, the fabulous food and, of course, the rides and games of chance. And then there’s the newer fare like Kids World, the Iron Chef competition, the Trials Stars Bike Show and the West Coast Lumberjack Show, which is actually celebrating its 11th year at the fair.
Then there’s the fast-paced, non-stop action of the stampede that joined forces with the IPE several decades ago. The stands are always packed every night for what is on most people’s must-see list.
So whether you still call it the Armstrong Fair or the IPE, it’s a sure sign of the end of summer in these parts and a time to celebrate everything the North Okanagan has to offer.
As most of us make plans to head to Armstrong and enjoy the sights and sounds and camaraderie of the fall fair, it’s time to salute all the volunteers, board members, staff, exhibitors, vendors and behind-the-scene personnel who make the IPE magically appear every year for all of us to enjoy. This year’s theme is a salute to the honey division, so make sure you Catch the Buzz this week in Armstrong. You’ll be glad you did.
