An expanded Kids Zone, more rides in a bigger midway, more food trucks and a new licensed bistro near the main entertainment stage are among changes coming to this year’s 156th Saanich Fair.
The three-day fair, which runs Aug. 31 to Sept. 2, typically draws 50,000 people to the site on Stelly’s Cross Rd., making it one of the region’s most popular annual events.
Put on by the North and South Saanich Agricultural Society, the fair shows off its farming roots in displays of livestock, poultry, eggs, dairy cattle, beef cows, pigs, sheep, miniature horses up to big draft horses, a pie-eating contest, flowers, home baking, knitting, sewing, preserves and a lot more.
Volunteers work year-round to present the annual fair, including helping with the massive job of guiding vehicles to the grass parking area, a newly harvested hayfield that has room for 4,300 vehicles. To manage traffic on the road, the fair hires traffic-control people.
Society vice-president Karly McMurtry said fair organizers collaborate closely with community police to ensure they are prepared for the increased traffic flow.
Cyclists can use the Locker, a free bike-valet service that was so successful last year it’s been expanded this year by approximately 100 bikes, and now accommodates 250 to 300 bikes, McMurtry said, adding there’s no infrastructure to charge e-bikes.
The fair also has a new Animal Care Best Practices Workbook for organizers, exhibitors and judges with advice on everything from sun exposure to stability of fencing and panels, nearness to nightlife at the midway and other entertainment, locking mechanisms and disease control.
This year’s midway, presented by West Coast Amusements, will have 28 rides, the most of any year so far and six more than last year.
By adding rides and eliminating fast-pass tickets, the society hopes to see reduced wait times for rides.
Some displays and events are being relocated. For example, the Rotary Club of Sidney’s bingo tent will be behind the entertainment stage, near the horse area.
The number of food trucks with international cuisine is also reaching an all-time high this year, with 32 trucks lined up.
A new licensed bistro area in the dining hall is linked to an outdoor patio near the entertainment stage. Extra security will be present at the licensed area.
The Kids Zone in the west field is being beefed up on close to three acres of grass.
Attractions will include face-painting, a carousel, an instrument zoo, a tractor and machinery park and other interactive games and displays, McMurtry said.
The giant pumpkin contest will be held next to the main stage. Last year’s winning entry was 695 pounds, McMurtry said.
Entertainment headliners are expected to be announced in early July.
For more information, follow the Saanich Fair’s Facebook page or Instagram account page or go to saanichfair.ca.
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