The annual Pass Creek Fall Fair runs this Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 21 and 22, with many family events scheduled from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days.
The fair is now in its 18th year and features many exhibits about agriculture, food products and rural lifestyles. The event is all about fun, too, and this year there is a long list of things to take in.
Entertainers, musicians, farm animals, miniature golf, pancake breakfasts, horse show, dog show and competition, carnival rides, antique car show, the very popular "Dirty Diggers" event will all be available and much more.
Fair coordinator Irene Hill has been involved since the fair started and said the event is coming along nicely and she's hoping for good weather and attendance.
"We estimate about 3,000 come through over the two days," said Hill, who was reached by telephone. She said she works on the grounds year-round with her husband but come fall fair time, things get much busier.
Hill said the horticultural building and leisure arts building are being prepped to accommodate all of the exhibits.
The horticultural building takes all of the canning, fresh vegetables, flowers, etc., and the other building will showcase crafts, painting, photography, children's exhibits, etc.
"I've got miles of tables to set up and put skirts on," laughed Hill. "Pies get one place, cakes get another and it all has to be coordinated."
Chris Popoff, owner of Dirty Diggers Excavating in Castlegar said more than 700 children took part in the "Dirty Diggers" event last year, getting behind the wheel of full-size excavation equipment for a spin along a dirt course.
Popoff said he expects they will have about the same number of backhoes and bobcats but made some changes to the draw prizes for kids to win.
"As far as prizes this year, the Castle Theatre has donated space for a child and about ten friends to watch a private movie of their choice," said Popoff. "Boston Pizza has donated pizza and pop and that's one of the main prizes. The Sandman Hotel is also doing a pool party, so we'll have two big prizes for the kids."
Popoff said each child operates the life-size TONKA® toys with the help of a qualified operator.
"It should be a good time," he said. "There are lots of other things going on at the fair, too."
One of those things that dog-owners will enjoy happens at 10 a.m. Saturday with a dog agility demonstration, musical chairs and prizes for such things as longest tail, longest ears, best trick and longest Frisbee throw. All dogs are welcome but must be leashed.
A vintage fire truck, rescue truck, giant tow truck, police car, search and rescue boat will also be available for people to get hands-on with from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m both days.
"What I'd like to see at the fall fair is a line-up of old pickup trucks," said Show and Shine car show organizer Greg Sahlstrom. "I think that would be cool. We have a car club here, the Vintage Car Club of Canada, Columbia Chapter and most of the cars are from members. Being a fall fair, it's nice to have the older vehicles to fit in with the theme."
Sahlstrom said he expects at least 30 antique or classic vehicles and they don't turn away others who wish to show their vehicles. He can be reached at 365-7352 if you have a special set of wheels you would like to showcase. This is the 7th annual Show and Shine and runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.
The fairgrounds are easy to find at 1095 Relkoff Road in Robson but the best way to get there is to take advantage of the free park and ride bus service from the Complex and The Station Museum, running from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.
Because emergency access needs to be maintained, there is no parking along Relkoff Road and vehicles will be towed at the owner's expense.
Hill said volunteers usually start arriving Friday and the more help the better. If you can offer a little time to help out, give her a ring at 250-365-6885.
Admission is $5 per person, children aged six and under are free. For more, visit www.passcreekfair.com