Powell River won’t have to usher in the fall without a fair after all, according to Powell River and District Agricultural Association treasurer, Juhli Jobi. A streamlined version of the annual event will take place on September 19 and 20 from noon until 3 pm. It will be called aFALL afFAIR to better reflect its temporary change in format.
Earlier this summer, a volunteer shortage threatened to stall the fair indefinitely, but after a story ran in the August 12 edition of the Peak, people came forward to lend a hand. “There have been a lot of good ideas,” said Jobi. “A lot of people [realized] ‘Wow, it used to be like that? How can we get it back to that again?’ And so it’s spurred some good enthusiasm.”
Members of Powell River 4H Club and Timberlane Quilters’ Guild were among the first to reach out, ensuring the popular exhibition barn will be open to attendees. “I have to give kudos to Nina Mussellam and Maureen Venables for stepping up,” said Jobi. “They’ve got some fibre artists that are going to be in there doing demos, spinning and weaving.”
An outdoor petting farm has been organized instead of the usual animal barn. The display will be one of many child-friendly activities to be found at the fair. “The train will be running and we’ll have a bouncy castle as well,” she said.
Regular market vendors will be joined by additional food booths, entertainers and interactive displays. More are expected to confirm their involvement as aFALL afFAIR approaches.
“There’s a number of vendors that use the Fall Fair as their fundraiser,” said Jobi. “For example, the Skookum Food Provisioners’ [Cooperative]. They have their cider press there and they sell cider.” The group is still on the hunt for additional apples and residents are encouraged to email [email protected] with tips or donations.
“Powell River Therapeutic Riding Association is also going to be there with their silent auction and Kiwanis will come with their food truck,” Jobi added.
On-stage entertainment will consist of a mixture of open mic performers and local bands. “On the Saturday Scout Mountain is playing for two hours and on the Sunday Silver Atlas is playing for two hours,” she said.
While entrance to the Fall Fair is typically subject to a $5 admission fee at the gate, aFALL afFAIR will be free to attend. “There will be a charge for the petting farm because it is the one fundraiser the agricultural association does during the year,” said Jobi. “We’ll probably have a donation jar at the info booth, as well.”
Nutrition coupons will be accepted at participating vendors, just as they are during a typical weekend at Paradise Valley Exhibition Grounds. Markets will continue there until the last week of September before moving to Powell River Community Resource Centre for the Saturday winter market.
In future years, aFALL afFAIR will likely revert back to its once-larger format, incorporating additional elements from throughout its 103-year history, said Jobi. One idea involves inviting dozens of hobby and commercial farmers to set up demonstrations, with a prize money incentive for the best display. “I want to have a suggestion box for next year to let the community give their input,” she said.
Readers who are interested in helping with setup and teardown for this year’s event are encouraged to contact Jobi at 604.414.5076 or [email protected].
