It’s being called A Fall Affair, and while it may resemble Powell River and District Agricultural Association (PRDAA)’s annual Fall Fair in some aspects, organizers want to the public to know that it will be slightly different than in years previous.
Juhli Jobi, PRDAA treasurer, said that in many respects the two events are similar, but “there won’t be any judging on anything this year,” she said.
Besides the fact that there will not be any enormous vegetables, turkeys or prize-winning petunias, those attending the affair can expect to browse through an abundance of local and out-of-town vendors booths, peruse informational displays from local non-profits organizations, hear great music and taste some homemade treats.
Of course, there will be plenty of things to see and do for the children, including jumping on the bouncy castle, riding Powell River Forestry Museum’s miniature railway and meeting some furry friends at the petting zoo.
Skookum Food Provisioners will have its cider press set up, making freshly crushed and squeezed apple juice, and the Kiwanis Club will set up its food trailer up for a range of fair favourites. The Therapeutic Riding Association will be holding their silent auction.
Francine Ulmer, Powell River coordinator for WildSafe BC, will be on hand talking about how to minimize wildlife interaction and Sunshine Coast Spinners and Weavers Guild will be in attendance providing information about Sunshine Coast Fibreshed, a group that promotes local fibre artisans, dyers and producers on the coast.
The first hour of each day will be a local open mic and Jobi said that the musicians who play regularly at the weekly farmer’s markets will have the opportunity to perform. Once open mic wraps up on Saturday, Powell River’s bluegrass band Scout Mountain will take the stage, and then on Sunday local rockers Silver Atlas will play.
There will not be a gate fee for the event, but Jobi said that a donation jar will be set up at the information booth for those who would like to make a donation to the agricultural association.
“We’d be very interested to hear the community’s feedback about what the community missed this year and what they’d like to see next year. We do want to put together a full-fledged Fall Fair next year,” she said.
There will not be a shuttle bus for the event like prior years and organizers ask that drivers park responsibly so as not to block entrances or exits for emergency vehicles.
A Fall Affair is taking place from noon to 3 pm over two days, Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20 at Paradise Valley Exhibition Park (4365 McLeod Road).
