There will be a massive presence of 4H members at this year's Coombs Fair, thanks to a celebration happening at the fairgrounds following the event on Saturday.
"Coombs Fair has been chosen to host the 100 years of 4H in B.C. celebration for region one—Vancouver Island and Powell River—so when the fair closes at five o' clock there will be 410 or so 4H alumni and 4H everything," said fair manager Janet Boley, a member of the Arrowsmith Agricultural Association, which hosts the fair.
The 4H Club, a program dedicated to youth development, is already known for having a great presence at the fair, displaying all the projects made and raised throughout the year.
There are separate classes for 4H members and their entries at the fair and the club also puts on a musical ride horse show for the public around noon on Sunday.
The horse shows at the fair are usually a big draw, said Boley, which includes an English horse show Saturday and a Western horse show Sunday, both starting with 4H in the mornings.
The fair gates open at the Coombs Fairgrounds at 8 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday this weekend with indoor exhibits opening at 9:30 a.m. The event closes at 5 p.m. both days.
A pancake breakfast will get things started both mornings (8 a.m. to 11 a.m.) and then people will be off to the races with numerous activities, exhibits, entertainment and more.
The feature animal this year is the pig and the catch phrase: Go Hog Wild at the Coombs Fair.
There will be facts and information on pigs to discover at the fair and a scavenger hunt for kids which is all pig-oriented.
There is a sanctioned poultry show happening this year at the fair with over 500 birds and the judge will be traveling here from California.
Popular events include the chicken and duck races, the Ladies Nail Driving Event (4 p.m. Sunday) and new this year: zucchini races (3 p.m. both days) which will take place on a ramp borrowed form the Errington Hall.
Do-Little Square is a children's zone for both parents and kids to enjoy themselves.
"Parents can sit and relax and kids can do fun stuff," said Boley, adding that it is free.
There are also bouncy castles and rides for children.
The fair will mark the official opening of the centennial stage built last year and entertainers will grace the stage from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.
The Wizard and the Enchantress will be roaming the grounds entertaining with magic, music and stilts, there will be a dunk tank, a pet parade and a corn maze this year.
People can peruse all the entries in the exhibits which includes livestock, horticulture, baking, needle crafts, arts and crafts and much more.
There will be demonstrations by the Spinners and Weavers, the Rock and Gem Club, the Needle Arts Guild and there live milk separating and honey extraction will be done.
A number of local vendors will be selling their wares at the event and there will be plenty of food concessions, including the popular Tea House making homemade bunwiches and pies.
Admission is $5 per adult per day or $8 for both days, $3 for students (13-18) or $5 for both days, $1 per day for children six-12 years and children five and under are free.
It is $2 to park on the fairgrounds and there is free parking at the Coombs Rodeo Grounds with free shuttle service.
Dogs are not allowed at the fair. The Coombs Fair grounds is located at 1014 Ford rd, behind the Coombs General Store.
For more information visit www.coombsfair.com or call 250-248-4478.