It's going to be "salad days" for the Aldergrove Festival Days Society at the 103rd year of the fair tradition in Aldergrove.
The society's two major events are the Aldergrove Fair Days to be held on July 17-18-19, 2015, and the Aldergrove Christmas ‘Light Up’ Parade which is always held on the evening of the second Saturday in December.
On July 17-18-19, Aldergrove Festival Days Society and Aldergrove Agricultural Association jointly host the Aldergrove Fair on the grounds of the Aldergrove Athletic Park and Aldergrove Secondary School (26770 - 29 Ave.).
Aldergrove Festival Days president Karen Long said, “This year’s theme is ‘SALAD’ which stands for Shooters, Artists, Luge, Animals and Divas. The fair, which won Langley Tourism's event of the year award the other day, will be a world-class unique event.”
The Fair starts at 6 p.m., on the Friday, with a Car Show’n Shine, food, music and more activities.
On the Saturday and Sunday there will be fun for the entire family with entertainment, rides, food, and great things to see, do and buy throughout each day.
The Aldergrove Fair Days Parade returns on the Saturday at 10 a.m., and stays on Fraser Highway downtown, starting at the Community Policing Office at 270 Street and ending at 273 Street by the OAP Hall. The public is invited to register floats or other entries in the 2015 Parade.
Saturday’s opening ceremonies also include the presentation of the Hilda Reddick Volunteer of the Year Award and the Bev Gold Youth Volunteer Award. Long says they are inviting nominations for the awards and the public can send their suggestions to the society via email to: info@AldergroveFairDays.com
There is nothing that truly says “Country Fair” better than rows of prize exhibits of sewing, gardening and other crafts that demonstrate the skill, the enthusiasm and the country pride of the exhibitors. The Aldergrove Fair Exhibits Entry Book lists all the sections and categories adults, youths and preschoolers may enter and offers a sneak peek at some great events offered in 2014. It is available on-line at: www.aldergrovefair.ca/.
“We are working on some new events this year,” said Long. “We are turning the exhibit hall at the Kinsmen Community Centre into a Fairyland, a Fairy Gardens, and there will be an interactive area where we will be making berry wines.
"We also encourage and try to get kids involved, with the 4H exhibits and we're aiming for a children's fashion show this year."
The Zucchini Races luge track returns so that fairgoers can decorate their zucchinis and put wheels on them for races down the track. The Chili Cookoff and other food events are featured on the Sunday this year, and the Fair Days 'Weekend in Aldergrove' raffle features $1,000 worth of garden equipment donated by Bruce Heslop of Diamond Bar Equipment.
Look for the schedule of events published on the week of the Fair in The Aldergrove Star, so you can take in the Agricultural Exhibits, Antique Tractor Pull, Extreme Lawnmower Races, World Fast Draw Championship and Air Pistol demonstrations, Chili Cook-off Contest, Hay Rides, Kids Zone, Reptile Guy, the Westcoast Amusements carnival rides, the Cowboy Church and Pet Parade, among other entertainment and activities.
Admission to the Fair is by donation.
Vendors, sponsors and volunteers are always welcomed.
“Volunteers are the magic ingredient in any organization. The most help is needed close to and during the Fair, from July 16 to 19. Your help at any time is wonderful,” said Long. “Contact the Fair at: aldergrovevolunteers@gmail.com to work out how your schedule could fit with ours.”
The Christmas ‘Light up’ Parade will be held Saturday, Dec. 12, at 6 p.m. The parade route runs along the Fraser Highway through downtown Aldergrove. There is also carol singing and free hot chocolate. The Walter Levy trophy will also be presented to the home Christmas decorating contest winners.
For information see the website: www.aldergrovefair.ca/. If you have any questions, or require any further information, please send an email to: info@AldergroveFairDays.com or call Karen Long at 604-418-9507.
Fairyland
A magical Fairyland is coming alive at the Aldergrove Fair this year.
Children and the young at heart will be able to create fairy wands, swords, and headgear. Listen to our story teller as they weave a fairy story. Learn to identify the different flower fairies.
Before the Fair, showcase your creativity by entering in the Fairy Dress design contest then at the Fair watch the Fairies flit down the runway in the Fashion Show. There are also prizes for best decorated rocks, most creative bug, favourite fairy garden, fairy door, and tea cup posies.
Check the website for more information in the coming months on how to enter the dress design and when to be able to enter the fairy, gnome, knight and princess competitions.