Organizers of the Summerland Fall Fair must overcome some significant obstacles if the 105-year-old fair is to continue this year.
The fair is held in September and features local fruits and vegetables, canning, baking, handcrafts, arts and more. It is also a venue for performers and vendors.
The most immediate challenge facing the fair is a grant from the B.C. Gaming Commission.
The $20,000 grant would take care of roughly 70 per cent of the fair’s budget, but an audit from the commission, announced early this year, means the funding has not yet been approved.
Even with the funding, organizers need to bring in board members to arrange the weekend fair on a tight timeline.
Planning an event of this magnitude in just four months is a daunting challenge. The necessary bookings and preparation work take plenty of time and effort from all who are involved.
A fair of this nature is an important part of the community. It is an opportunity for Summerlanders to show their works to the community and it is an opportunity to celebrate local agriculture.
Over the years, the annual fair has gone through some changes because the community has changed.
Categories have been added and removed and the vendors and entertainment lineup have changed from one year to the next.
Despite these changes, the fair has remained a well-loved and popular Summerland event. It deserves to continue.
The reality, however, is that any significant community festival or celebration depends on reliable funding and a pool of dedicated volunteers.
When both these factors are lacking, the task of organizing an event becomes a much more difficult if not impossible challenge.
If the Fall Fair is to remain part of Summerland in the future, the present problems must be addressed.