North Thompson Star/Journal
The award winning North Thompson Fall Fair and Rodeo will be celebrating its 69th year this Labour Day weekend of Sept. 1 – 3, in Barriere, B.C.
There is a lot of excitement and expectation for this year’s fair as they are also hosting the BCRA Polaris Championship Rodeo Finals over all three days with the champions being named on Monday, Sept. 3.
There is also a BCRA Wildcard Qualifying Rodeo taking place at the fairgrounds on Friday, Aug. 31, at 1:30 p.m., giving the cowboys and cowgirls one last chance to compete the Labour Day Weekend Finals.
The entire weekend promises to be a smorgasbord of “something for everyone”, from the Kidz Zone to the Sunday night Cowboy Concert featuring Ed Peekeekoot.
“Our members work very hard to present the kind of fair that will give all age groups a day of fun, entertainment, and a chance to learn how agriculture contributes to our daily lives,” says NTFFRA president Jill Hayward, “We also like to think this annual fair shows visitors to the area who the folks that live in the North Thompson Valley are, where we’ve come from, what we are about, and our plans for a sustainable future. We believe this year’s event will deliver just that, and more.”
Hayward says the theme for the 69th annual fair is beef cattle and antique tractors. She also tells that the big fall fair parade will travel through Barriere on Saturday at 11 a.m., culminating in the rodeo arena, where opening ceremonies will take place and then be followed by three days of BCRA Polaris Championship Finals fast paced rodeo action.
“Stand up and cheer” will be the order of the day with lawn mower races, pony chariot and chuckwagon racing tearing up the track during the rodeo performances, and the last event of the day Saturday and Sunday is the much awaited heavy horse pull.
An outdoor stage has a full line-up of country and western music, all under the care of stage manager Gordie West. Kids will love renowned magician Clinton W. Gray, and of course the young people’s favourite, Uncle Chris the Clown.
Favourite events to take in this year will be the Friday afternoon Wildcard Rodeo, the Friday night entry by donation family dance (all ages – no alcohol); the traditional (19+) Cabaret Dance on Saturday night, and the Sunday evening Cowboy Concert, all in the fall fair hall.
The Laughing Logger’s Lumberjack Show will be back again this year with three days of hilarious and talented achievements with chain saws, axes and more. Folks can even try their own hand at the famed “Axe Throw” enclosure!
Livestock shows, 4H competitions and Heavy Horse events will run throughout the weekend as will numerous other livestock, poultry and cavie competitions. A great opportunity to get up close and personal with a lamb, or guess how much a project beef animal weighs.
Kids and families can play on the bouncy castles, mechanical bull, or check out the Kidz Zone for all kinds of fun. Their are oodles of interesting displays to peruse and enjoy while gaining useful knowledge about agriculture and where our food comes from. And don’t forget to gather the kids up and participate in the Family Parade on Monday morning.
The North Thompson Agriplex banquet hall and the fairgrounds, will be featuring a full house of commercial vendors and displays, with information regarding healthy living and agriculture in the North Thompson Valley.
Games, commercial exhibits, concessions, and of course three full days of Bingo.
Hayward says the fair works hard to support “grown in B.C. as much as we can”. And this year the organization is excited to welcome Pacific Western Brewing Co. Ltd. as a Platinum Sponsor of the event.
“Pacific Western Brewing are first rate when it comes to growing and producing their products right here in B.C.,” said Hayward, “We are very happy to have them be our official Beer Garden and Cabaret Dance Sponsors, and I am sure our visitors will especially enjoy their wide selection of products, free draws and numerous giveaways throughout the weekend – and of course those “cold ones” in the Beer Garden.”
She also notes that the Lion’s Club pancake breakfast starts at 7 a.m. each day, and visitors can sit in the shade of the indoor picnic area while enjoying all manner of yummy cuisine from a great lineup of concessions. They can also pat a pony, enjoy an monstrous ice cream cone, participate in a free workshop or meet a 4-H family.
“For three days folks will be able to fully experience the sights, sounds, smells and nostalgia of a real country fair,” says Hayward, “You can get back to nature’s bounty at the companion garden, sing along with great musicians, learn about valley heritage, visit with friends, and even feel the wind in your hair as the pony chariots or chuckwagons thunder past. We’re inviting everyone to come to the fair!”
Parking is free, dry camping $40 for the weekend, Adult admission $15, Seniors and Students $10, 10 and under free. No dogs past the ticket gate – please leave your dogs at home.
For more information go to: www.fallfair-rodeo.com or find them on Facebook.
