The screams of thrill-seekers and the sugary smell of cotton candy will fill Central Saanich this long weekend, as the 145th Saanich Fair kicks off tomorrow (Sept. 1).
The fair, which attracts an average of 45,000 people to the Saanich Peninsula each year, is run by non-profit group North & South Saanich Agricultural Society. It is the longest continuously running agricultural fair in Western Canada.
As usual, the fair will feature a large midway, livestock, a farmer’s market and lots of entertainment, including fan-favourite bands like The Archers, Chick Wagon, Rukus and Phoenix the Band. Ten new acts have also been added to the entertainment roster – visit the entertainment stage at the fair to check them out.
There will be a number of contests for fairgoers with big appetites, including the usual ice cream and watermelon eating contests, and a new addition: a SPAM eating contest. These will also be hosted at the entertainment stage.
The fair also includes several horse shows and dog shows, a highland dance competition, and the exhibit halls, which feature award-winning produce, flowers, arts and crafts, and more.
The fair runs Saturday and Sunday (Sept. 1 and 2) from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Monday (Sept. 3) from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission for adults is $10 ($9 on Monday), and seniors and youth aged seven to 13 cost $7 ($6 on Monday). Children six and under are free. Wristbands for unlimited rides at the midway are available for $40 on Saturday and Sunday, and for $35 on Monday.
For more information and a full schedule of events, visit saanichfair.ca or call 250-652-3314.