For as long as people have been growing fruit in Creston, they have been exhibiting it at fall fairs. As early as 1908, local growers competed to show off their successful produce. But then in 1918, Creston had a fair that was bigger, better, and far more well-attended than anything that had occurred previously. That was the start of the Creston Valley Fall Fair we know and love today.
This year the Creston Valley Fall Fair will be held on Sept. 6 and 7 with the theme of "Gone Country”. With plans to be located at Creston Flats Stables (on 633 Indian Road) this year, the Fall Fair has planned new events and activities. There should be something for every age to see and do!
The opening ceremonies kick things off on Friday, Sept. 6 at 2 p.m. Events will run until 10 p.m. with highlights including the grand parade, Farmer's Olympics, giant pumpkin weigh-in, line dancing, and a night market.
The festivities will continue on Saturday, Sept. 7 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Attendees are sure to enjoy the farmers' market, food trucks, beer gardens, and live music. Not only that, there will also be a watermelon eating contest and gymkhana events to watch. And don't forget, at 7:30 p.m. the annual Fall Fair Feast will feature 20 of Creston’s finest local food producers, followed by a barn dance. Tickets are available at Fly in the Fibre and Kootenay Meadows for $40 per adult and $20 per child. Children under age five are free.
There will be many activities for kids to enjoy over the weekend too, including a kid’s tractor pull, hobby horse jumping, livestock parade, bouncy castles, face painting, dunk tank, and a clay table.
Seeing the community's incredible talents and creations is arguably the best part of the fair. Have you ever seen a 600-lb. pumpkin or a prized dairy cow? Now's your chance! Those who spend their free time baking, canning, gardening, crafting, creating art, woodworking, and lovingly caring for livestock will have their work on display, with chances to win prize ribbons and cash.
The Fall Fair entry booklet is out now. Pick one up at the Creston Valley Advance, Visitor Centre, Creston Valley Public Library, Home Hardware, Save-On Foods, or Creston Card & Stationery. The more entries received, the better the fair looks for everyone. Entries are due in person by 4 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 30 at the Visitor Centre. Or they can be sent in by mail, if postmarked on or before Monday, Aug. 26. Fees are $2 for the initial entry, with subsequent entries costing 50 cents each.
The Creston Valley Fall Fair Association has been hard at work for months to prepare this event for the community. More volunteers are needed to help. Those interested in lending a hand are asked to contact volunteers@crestonvalleyfallfair.ca.
For more details and a full schedule of events, check out www.crestonvalleyfallfair.ca or the Creston Valley Fall Fair Facebook page. A weekend wristband costs $12, or $10 for seniors and students. Kids under age five are free.
