The Summerland Fall Fair is all set to go!
On Sept. 7 and 8, be ready for a lively, informative and interactive celebration of the diversity of our local agricultural.
After a three-year hiatus, it has taken a lot of effort and collaboration to re-imagine this important Summerland tradition.
New energy, involvement from members of the agricultural community and a well-established template to follow have provided an opportunity to make the Summerland Fall Fair a winning success.
Hard work and dedication by Summerland volunteers have set the tone for this important celebration of Summerland’s heritage.
Over the years, Summerland’s Agricultural Fair has undergone many changes.
It was originally called the Apple Show.
Then there was the Fruit Fair, the Spring Fair and a separate Flower Show and Poultry Show.
Following World War I, the 1919 Fair was called the Fall Apple Show and Peace Fair.
Regardless of title and specific focus, the Summerland’s agricultural fairs have always celebrated the importance of local agriculture to our community and beyond.
In fact, the fair has always been about showcasing the community’s agricultural talents and bringing people together to celebrate our agricultural roots.
This year the Summerland Fall Fair will keep to its traditional values with an exhibition of food, flowers, arts and crafts.
Anyone with a green thumb or artistic talent is encouraged to enter.
The fair will also include educational displays and presentations intent on providing visitors of all ages with an opportunity to learn about Summerland’s farming culture as well as the many related agricultural industries.
Historically, the Summerland Fall Fair has always explored new ideas and established new themes.
In the inaugural fair of 1909, one of the most controversial events was the Baby Show described by the Summerland Review as “a galaxy of infantile loveliness.”
During the 1920s the fairs held competitions between Summerland districts with Jones Flat winning over Front Bench and Trout Creek.
There have been kiddies parades, barn dances, horse races and dunk tanks.
And so, in keeping with this tradition of adding new flavour to the fair, this year’s Summerland Fall Fair is adding somenew attractions and new events that celebrate the agricultural roots of our community.
Come out and meet the local farmers at the Tailgate Party.
Join in on the community country dance.
Learn more about our local craft businesses, canning and bee keeping.
The Children’s Activity tent will provide opportunities for children to explore farm arts and crafts, a petting zoo, and, unique to Summerland, the Justin Kripps Zucchini Bobsleigh Race.
While we all may have different memories of Summerland’s past fall fairs, the bottom line is that it is about what makes Summerland a community.
One of the best ways to join the fun is to participate!
Barbara Thorburn is a member of the Summerland Fall Fair committee.