A classic country fair with a well-established history drew hundreds to the Campbell Valley Regional Park at 20290 16 Avenue in Langley over the weekend.
It was the 39th annual “Country Celebration” event.
It also happened to mark the 50th anniversary of the Metro Vancouver regional parks system, which is why admission was free this year.
“This is actually one of our first regional parks in the system,” said Vanessa Lee, a park interpretation specialist with the Metro Vancouver Regional Park system.
“(The Country Celebration) started as a connecting-to-nature event and it’s kind of evolved to highlight the agricultural aspects of Langley.”
The event featured a market with local farmers and artisans, plus a variety of exhibitors providing information on local community activities, along with games and craft-making for kids .
There were new elements like a pony ride and a sheep herding demonstration as well as perennial favourites like antique farm engines, and a giant hay maze.
“You’re learning about grassland animals as you’re going through it (the maze)” Lee said.
Visitors were encouraged to help reduce waste by bringing their own cutlery, mug and bags for the local crafts and produce market.
Turnout appeared up from previous year, thanks to relatively good weather conditions — sunny and warm on Saturday with some clouds and dampness on Sunday.
“It’s not too hot and not too cold,” Lee said.
Since it began, the Metro Vancouver’s regional parks system has grown to cover 14,500 hectares of forests, fields, rivers and beaches .
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