There’s something for everyone in Armstrong.
Many people have specific reasons for attending the 115th Interior Provincial Exhibition, which wraps up today.
“It is really nice that they have this children’s corner. It is just wonderful,” said Enderby’s Joan Glanfield, who was introducing her two-year-old grandson Adam Mahmoud to the fair for the first time.
Friends Iyla Makeive, 11, and Taylor Land, 11, love the midway and only get off the rides to eat.
When asked if they every feel sick going on so many rides Makeive said “I don’t get sick except once at the Lumby fair, but that’s because I ate too many mini doughnuts before.”
Touring the IPE rounds were Geri and Bryan Cook and their 11 year-old granddaughter Violet-Jade Corlett-Barry, of Courtenay.
Corlett-Barry performs in a circus act as an aerial artist so her favourite part of the fair was the Euro Bungy that allows you to flip and bounce.
“We missed it (IPE) last year so it was a must this year. This is a wonderful fair for Armstrong,” said Geri Cook.
While this is the last day of the fair, North Okanagan residents are still being encouraged to take in the fun.
“It’s such a family friendly, positive place to be,” said Bryan Burns, IPE general manager.
“There’s a combination of entertainment and agriculture.”
The variety is obviously a draw as 16,262 people passed through the gate Wednesday and there were 18,971 Thursday.
Attendance was expected to surge Friday, Saturday and today.
“Friday is usually our third busiest day and Saturday and Sunday are our first and second busiest,” said Burns.
In 2013, 149,782 people attended the annual celebration in Armstrong.
Burns has been receiving positive comments about this year’s offering of the fair.
“I had a guy who came just one day last year and he came for all five days this year because it’s such a great fair,” he said.
An expected highlight today is the Wrangler Rodeo Shoot Out at the grandstand at 8 p.m.
“It’s the best of the best. It will be a great rodeo,” said Burns.
The top eight in each event from the Wrangler Tour will compete for an additional $4,000 per event. The Wrangler Tour champions will also win a bye into the 2015 Calgary Stampede.
For more information, go to www.armstrongipe.com or check out the IPE’s Facebook page.
