Organizers have so much fun planned for this year’s Saanich Fair, the air is a-buzz with excitement!
Of course, that could be because of all the bee-themed festivities, too.
Hosted by the North and South Saanich Agricultural Society, each year, fair organizers focus on a different theme. This year, in recognition of all that our pollinators do to keep the world fed, the theme is bees, explains Catriona McHattie.
“As an agricultural and farm-focused event, we just wanted to raise awareness that nothing happens without our pollinators, especially bees,” McHattie says.
Entertaining, inspiring and informing families since 1858, the Saanich Fair welcomes families to enjoy the full fair experience from Saturday, Aug. 31 to Monday, Sept. 2.
From sheep shearing and horse shows to silky chickens and sunflowers, children of all ages love exploring the barns and paddocks throughout the weekend, but don’t forget the prize categories too.
The fair welcomes submissions in all manner of categories, as friends and neighbours compete for the blue ribbon and good-natured bragging rights for the best jams, flowers, knitting and a whole lot more – even the best Lego designs!
Sneak Peek of the Midway
But the agriculture barns won’t be the only areas buzzing this year. For the first time, the midway is opening on Friday afternoon, welcoming guests from 1 to 10 p.m. While the rest of the fair is setting up, you can enjoy free midway gate admission, and take in the rides and games.
Regardless of which day you plan to visit, if you pick up your ride-all-day wristband from the fair office before 8 p.m. Aug. 29, you’ll not only skip the ticket line, you’ll save, too! Advance wristband purchases are just $32, but are $40 afterward.
LOTS of entertainment
The entertainment stage will be hopping throughout the fair, with Prism and April Wine both taking the centrestage before what’s sure to be a packed crowd. Even better, the concerts are free with your gate admission!
Prism kicks things off Saturday night at 8 p.m., then on Sunday, iconic Canadian rockers April Wine bring all their hits beginning at 8:30 p.m.
But it’s not all about the big names – throughout the day, see talented dancers, musicians and chainsaw carving, not to mention the fun of pie-eating contests and more!
Saanich Fair gates are open Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. (buildings open at 9 a.m.; no gate re-entry after 9 p.m.) and Monday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission is $14 adults, $8.50 for seniors and youth age 7 to 13 and free for children age six and younger, or skip the lines and buy tickets online. You can also click here to get all the details to plan your visit!
