Local farmers and artisans will be showing off the best of their work
As the autumn harvest rolls in, so do giant pumpkins, cans of pickles, and prize-winning cattle to one of Creston's most beloved traditions for over a hundred years -- the Fall Fair.
Held Sept. 5 and 6, organizers are promising more activities, more variety, and more community spirit than ever before at the Creston Flats Stables.
For Megan Smith, the new board president who has been involved with the fair for about a decade, the event is a year-round labour of love. Planning for next year begins the day after the fair ends, with thousands of volunteer hours going into preparations.
"We plan all year - countless amount of hours - and we all love it," said Smith. "It showcases all local agriculture, and it's just this great community event."
This year's events
Among the biggest additions is a Calcutta cattle-sorting competition, where two teams of riders will race against the clock to sort cattle in the arena. The teams will be auctioned off to spectators, with proceeds going toward the creation of a new Creston Valley Fall Fair bursary.
The event will take place during the sixth annual Fall Fair Feast. Tickets for the dinner, followed by a barn dance, are $50 per person.
Also new to the schedule is a scarecrow decorating contest, where teams will have just two minutes to assemble their creations -- chaos guaranteed.
Other highlights include:
Third annual Farmers Olympics Giant pumpkin contest Line dancing under the lights on Friday night Beer gardens open both Friday and Saturday Artisan Alley - dedicated space highlighting handcrafted original works from artists and makers Colouring contest for kids - download the sheet online now 50/50 draw - 2,000 tickets available at $10 each Dunk tank - free throw with a donation to the food bank Creston Valley roadside displays and business window decorating
New location brings new energy
Now in its second year at the Creston Flat Stables, the Fall Fair is embracing the extra space the venue provides, with the ability to showcase more livestock events. Smith says the move from the Creston and District Community Complex in 2024 was met with "nothing but positive feedback."
This year's line-up includes driving horses, chore horses, a breed parade, log skid, a livestock beauty pageant, kids' gymkhana, and a tug of war battle, where Erickson, Lister, Canyon, and Wynndel will go head-to-head to see which area has the most muscle.
More to see at community showcase
It simply wouldn't be the Fall Fair without seeing a plethora of impressive jams, pies, arts and crafts, and humongous zucchinis from across the valley.
The exhibitions -- a crowd favourite to see -- have expanded, with an extensively upgraded wildcrafting section. Categories now include teas, medicinal and culinary herbs, spice blends, syrups, oils, soaps, candles, and dried wreaths.
With over 800 categories, there is something for everyone to enter, at all skill levels. To make the process easier, exhibitors can now fill out their entries and pay online. There's still time, but completed forms must be sent in by Aug. 29.
New website
A brand-new website launched this year. Tickets for the Fall Fair Feast as well as single-day and weekend passes can now be purchased online to reduce entrance line-ups.
To purchase tickets, or check out the full weekend schedule and competition details, visit CrestonValleyFallFair.ca.
The fair still needs help to keep things running smoothly, especially with children's games and Sunday takedown. Those interested can email volunteers@crestonvalleyfallfair.ca to connect with the volunteer co-ordinator.