A long-standing tradition continues when Powell River Fall Fair takes over Paradise Exhibition Grounds for two afternoons of family fun on Saturday, September 15, and Sunday, September 16.
Live music and a variety of agricultural displays, activities, food and craft vendors highlight the annual event, which has drawn thousands of area residents since it debuted in the early 1930s.
“It’s a wonderful family event,” says coordinator Kathy Rebane. “There is so much to see and do, and lots to eat.”
Onstage entertainment includes Paradise and Blues Busters on Saturday, while 3D and Wild Woods Social Club perform on Sunday afternoon.
“Powell River Clansman Pipe Band will be there, too,” adds Rebane. “They always open up the fair on Saturday.”
The always popular animal barn is one of the fair’s main attractions and will feature a calf, goats, sheep and poultry.
“We have other animals tentatively committed, including a lama, piglets and a miniature horse,” says Rebane. “It is very popular; everyone loves the animal barn and it is always packed.
The exhibit barn next door provides another venue for visitors to peruse results from fair entrants who crafted, grew, canned or baked items for judges to review and award prizes for.
Fun weekend features include a kids' zone, train rides courtesy of Powell River Forestry Museum, a contest for the largest pumpkin and zucchini races at 2 pm on Sunday.
“You take a zucchini and either put four wheels on it or use a little axle from something with wheels and decorate it,” says Rebane. “They have a ramp and you race your zucchini. Kids really get into it because you can do all kinds of creative things to the zucchini.”
Categories will be available for all ages.
Fall Fair admission is $5 for ages 13 and over, while children 12 and under enter for free.
"On Sunday only, we are offering entry for the last two hours by donation,” says Rebane.
Organizers are still looking for volunteers. Anyone interested in helping out can call 604.485.7737.
Bus service will be provided by qathet Regional District on both days. Buses will leave the north end of Town Centre Mall every half hour from noon to 4:30 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Return trips depart the park every half hour from 12:15 pm to 4:45 pm.
“Come listen to music and let your kids play,” says Rebane. “Fall Fair is not expensive to take your family to; you can even bring a picnic lunch.”
Powell River Fall Fair
When: 12 to 5 pm, Saturday and Sunday, September 15 and 16
Where: Paradise Exhibition Grounds, 4365 McLeod Road
Admission: $5 (age 13 and over)
Information: 604.485.7737
