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 Come celebrate 100 years
of BC Fairs!

The BC Association of Agricultural Fairs and Exhibitions was created by the founding agricultural fairs of British Columbia and the Ministry of Agriculture one century ago. In fact, many of the fairs who attended the very first convention in January of 1910 are still flourishing and continue to be strong, supporting members of the Provincial Fairs Association.

It is a remarkable accomplishment for a non-profit organization to achieve a century of service; an accomplishment made possible by the commitment and dedication our members and the many devoted individuals who volunteered thousands of hours as Directors on the Associations Board.

We are very proud of our agricultural fairs and exhibitions, and all that they stand for. Over the past century, fairs have endured through many challenging periods and continue to provide a safe and fun environment for families, preserve the culture and heritage of their communities and to steadfastly celebrate BC’s diverse agricultural industry.

As we look forward to the 100th Annual Conference of the BC Association of Agricultural Fairs and Exhibitions, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on the great accomplishments your fair has made over the years and come share those stories with others during the networking opportunities at this year’s conference. Large, medium or small, we can all learn from each other and help each other to grow over the next 100 years!

I look forward to revitalizing old acquaintances and building new friendships at this very special conference! On behalf of the Board of Directors, I invite you all to join us in Vernon, October 21st – 23rd and help celebrate 100 Years of BC Fairs!

Leah North Hryko,
President, BC Association of
Agricultural Fairs & Exhibitions

INTRODUCTION

Agricultural fairs have had a long history in British Columbia since the first fair was held in Victoria in October of 1861!  Fairs and exhibitions have been an integral part of communities across BC for these many years providing a community focal point for the celebration and promotion of local agriculture and food.

The "Provincial Agricultural Fairs Association" was created by the Department of Agriculture in January of 1910.  One hundred years later, the BC Association of Agricultural Fairs and Exhibitions, now better known as BC FAIRS, continues to provide leadership, resources, networking and educational opportunities for its membership.

BC's agricultural fair and exhibitions welcome over 1.5 million visitors through their gates each year, they are a vital part of our provinces heritage and culture; they are agri-tourism destinations that provide millions of dollars to their local economies.  Fairs and Exhibitions play an important role in the personal development of youth through the promotion of 4-H programs, provide fund raising opportunities for many other non-profit and charitable organizations within their communities, as well as, showcase and celebrate BC's diverse agricultural industry!

BC FAIRS NEWS

Ministry of Agriculture and Lands provides $75,000.00 to the BC Association of Agricultural Fairs and Exhibitions to help implement a five-year strategic plan.
To view the news release, please click here.

To view the 2010-2015 Strategic Plan for the BC Association of Agricultural Fairs and Exhibitions, please click here. 

The 2010 Anniversary Fair Guide is now available! 
To download a copy, click here!  If you would like a copy sent to you, please contact the BC Fairs office by phone 778-574-4082 or by email at jbsaw@bcfairs.ca

Janine B Saw
Executive Director

MISSION STATEMENT

To provide leadership, resources and services to agricultural fairs, exhibitions and related events so they can effectively celebrate the diversity and importance of local agriculture in communities throughout British Columbia.