“Hometown roots and rubber boots.”
Bob Gollan smiles as he repeats the slogan for this year’s Creston Valley Fall Fair.
“This is such a wonderful event,” he said. “So much to do and something for everyone.”
With his strong connections to the local music community, Gollan has been involved in the fair for many years. Now, as president, he has worked tirelessly with fellow volunteers to keep the near century-old tradition alive.
The 2013 event kicks off Friday afternoon at 2 p.m., with opening ceremonies at 4:30. Appearing will be Regional District of Central Kootenay directors John Kettle, Larry Binks and Garry Jackman, Creston Mayor Ron Toyota and Nelson-Creston MLA Michelle Mungall. Displays and activities will run to 9 p.m.
On Saturday, an earlier than usual 9 a.m. start time coincides with the opening of the Creston Valley Farmers’ Market, which moves to the Creston and District Community Complex parking lot from its usual downtown location for this day only.
“There’s lots to do,” Gollan said. “Gord and Caroline Martin of Cherrybrook Farms are bringing in a portable miniature golf setup for the kids, which they will love.”
Door prizes will be announced throughout the event, which will have an added focus on 4-H clubs.
“This year we celebrate 100 years of 4-H in Canada,” volunteer Ginger Knudsen said. “We will be having two auctions. One will feature local food products like chickens, corn and cheese, all of which will be sold to help raise funds for the C.V. Agricultural Society’s bursary fund. The other will sell three steers and a lamb that have been raised by 4-H members.”
Look for even more poultry displays this year — a 4-H Poultry Club has been established.
“The poultry club is really blossoming,” Knudsen said. “The group won an online provincial 4-H competition this year.”
Dairy, sheep and beef will also be featured.
Outside on the soccer field horse demonstrations will be held on Saturday.
“The tractor pull is always fun to watch, too,” Gollan said.
A fair wouldn’t be complete without food. The locally owned Purple People Feeder food truck will be on hand, as will be a Greek food truck from Castlegar. Creston Valley Search and Rescue will be running a barbecue fundraiser and Shriners will be selling popcorn.
Entertainment — including winners and signers from the Kootenays’ Best Singer contests — will be featured on the main stage in the arena and a kids play area will be set up in the curling rink.
Of course, visitors will find tables filled with entries from their friends and neighbours. Fresh produce, flowers, preserves and baking, photographs, handicrafts, wine and beer, and needlework will be on display in abundance, as will farm animals. Demonstrations will go on throughout both days.
“Don’t forget to watch for the boots!” vice-president Gail Mason reminds — a contest will invite kids to count the many boots scattered throughout the community complex as a reminder of the 2013 fall fair theme.