The goal of bringing back the Summerland Fall Fair is an admirable one, but making the event a reality will take plenty of effort.
The event had run each year for 105 years, until 2014. For the past three years, it has not been held.
The community has missed this event, since it filled a unique role in Summerland. This was the event where Summerlanders of all ages showed the best produce from their farms and gardens as well as their canning and preserving, handicrafts, flowers, photography and other exhibits.
The fair’s tradition is worth preserving, but going forward, the event should also recognize changes in Summerland’s agricultural scene, such as the rapid growth of the wine industry in the past two decades.
As a result, the organizers will need to work not only on resurrecting the fall fair but redefining it as well.
Bringing back an event of this nature will prove challenging, especially after a three-year absence.
There are plenty of details such as finding a suitable venue, arranging the dates and times, applying for grant funding, organizing entry categories and finding community sponsors.
Even more important will be the need for volunteer help. If the fall fair is to go ahead next year, it will require plenty of support from the community.
During the weekend of the fair, there is plenty of work to be done in setting up, taking down, judging and providing other assistance.
The organizational work involved with such an event is even more significant. Those on the board will have a lot of work ahead of them as they make all the necessary arrangements.
Right now, the idea of a fall fair for 2018 is a concept to be considered. Making it a reality will require commitment from many dedicated people.