The Coombs Fair is back for its 104th annual appearance this weekend.
The fair, running Aug. 12-13, will have plenty of events, food, displays, 4-H competitions, a western and an English horse show plus new displays and activities.
Gates open at 8 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday and general admission is $5. The fair closes at 5 p.m. each day.
Among this year’s special features are: a celebration for the Year of the Rabbit, artist Joan Larson’s “Musical Ride Series” presented at the fair in honour of Canada’s 150th anniversary (see page A5 for full story), vintage tractor displays, a Vancouver Island tiny home display and an extensive Coombs history display curated by Sharon Cox Gustavson to celebrate the history of the area and its people.
See page B1 for a full list of entertainment.
There will also be chicken and duck races and a ladies’ nail-driving competition, along with 4-H shows such as a fibre arts show, beef show and an English horse show.
People can also pick up a Canada 150 Scavenger Hunt pamphlet when arriving. Travel around the fairgrounds to find the answers to the questions on the pamphlet. Once completed, bring it to the office and receive a ribbon.
Onnig Cavoukian, world-renowned photographer, will be judging photography entries. According to the fair’s website, Cavoukian is a third-generation photographer who started working with his late father in their Toronto studio at age 17.
“Over the years, Onnig has snapped (photos of) queens, presidents, prime ministers and numerous luminaries around the world. Retired now to Parksville, Onnig has generously offered to judge the photography sections of the 2017 Coombs Fair,” the website states.
The Coombs Fair will also host walking photography lessons with Cavoukian on both days of this year’s fair. To register for the lesson, contact Debbie Adkins at 250-954-7434 or debadkins@shaw.ca.
Visit www.coombsfair.com for complete schedules, times and additional information about the entertainment lineup, show and displays. Either print a schedule from the website before arriving or pick one up at the fairgrounds.
— NEWS Staff/
Coombs Fair