Get ready for another fun Salmon Arm event as the annual fair rolls out Sept. 6 through 8.
Organizers have many things planned for visitors to see and do this year and are asking fairgoers to “dig the diversity.”
“Where can you find excellent entertainment, numerous displays of high quality food, animals and crafts, a large variety of delicious treats to eat, a lively midway, and a great destination for all generations to meet and greet friends and family?” they ask. “Well, the Salmon Arm Fair, of course.”
New this year is the highly popular West Coast Lumberjack Show. This entertaining blend of skills, heroics, history and humour is sure to please young and old.
Last year Elvis tribute artist Adam Fitzpatrick attracted large, enthusiastic crowds for all his shows. Happily, Adam is returning this year with his ‘Evolution of Elvis’ performances.
The ever-popular Shuswap Idol program, highlighting local talent, will take place on the main stage over the course of the fair, along with other music and dance.
Lawn tractor racing will stir up some excitement over at the grandstand, and Saturday morning’s parade is fun for all, although especially appealing to those with a sweet tooth.
A variety of food and drink booths at the fairgrounds will keep everyone’s appetites satisfied.
Shooting Star Midway will again bring various rides and games of chance to thrill and delight fair goers. For history buffs, there are the artifacts of Memory Lane and the working displays by the Shuswap Pioneer Collectors Club.
Back again at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, is the 4-H with their obstacle course and a costume class for goats. If you wish to participate, add it to your open goat entry or your 4-H goat entry.
Organizers would also love to have some other people – mayor, MP, MLA and celebrities – try their hand at putting a goat through the course too. You don’t have to have your own goat.
And, of course, it wouldn’t be a fair without the judges selecting ribbon winners to showcase the “best of the best” in agricultural animals, foods, and crafts. Look for the ‘Poultry in Motion’ mobile mini-barn this year.
In honour of the Salmon Arm Fire Department’s 100th anniversary, a birthday cake will be shared at the fair opening on Friday, Sept. 6 at 6 p.m.
Fair chairperson Star MacGregor will be on hand to welcome everyone, along with Mayor Nancy Cooper, and (organizers hope) MP Colin Mayes and MLA Greg Kyllo will also be there to welcome the crowd.
The Salmon Arm Legion patrol team will be in attendance to present the colours.
The stage will open after the welcoming ceremony with dancers and the Shuswap Idol competition.
The Salmon Arm Fair Book Picture design has a new twist this year. All the pictures in the competition will be displayed in the arena foyer, and the winner will be announced from the Peoples Choice award. Get your ballot from the fair office. The winner will have their photo featured in the 2014 fall fair book.
Kids nine and under can pick up entries for the scavenger hunt from gate attendants or the information booth on Fifth Avenue. Kids can find the stickers to fill their books throughout the grounds and return them to the information booth for a gift. For more information, go to www.salmonarmfair.com.