One year after the annual Williams Lake Harvest Fair was forced to cancel due to the wildfires of 2017, the community will soon have a chance to partake in one of the most action-packed community fairs in B.C. — with the admissions being completely free of charge.
Tammy Tugnum, president of the Harvest Fair organizing committee, says there have been incredibly generous donations from multiple groups.
“Due to the wildfires last year, the health and wellness group in the community wanted to do something positive for the community,” said Tugnum.
“When I met with Bree Odd from the United Way the other day, she suggested that they would like to make the fair free for everybody in the city of Williams Lake this year.”
Odd, who works as a community wellness manager with the United Way Thompson Nicola Cariboo, explained that funding was received through multiple donors for commemorative community events in lieu of the wildfires last year.
“Through this funding, we’ll be able to help out with community events across the Cariboo Region,” said Odd.
“But, the events need to be community driven, like the Harvest Fair is. They have to have a real focus on connectivity, positivity and that component of mental health and wellness. The Harvest Fair is wonderful in that aspect, because it brings people in and gets people connected back with their community.”
Health Emergency Management BC, the Red Cross and the Provincial Health Services Authority all provided the funding to assist the United Way to help out with the Harvest Fair and make it free.
“Whoever wants to come, we will still do their ticket for them,” explained Tugnum. “The free aspect will work on a reimbursement basis. Ultimately, it means no one will have to pay to get on the fair grounds. It’s incredibly generous and we are extremely thankful.”
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In addition to free admission, a free pancake breakfast, dubbed the Cariboo Strong Pancake Breakfast, will also be taking place from 8 a.m to 10 a.m on Sunday, Sept. 9.
“The pancake breakfast was something that the mental health and wellness working group was working on for a while, and it was something we wanted to do for the community,” said Odd.
“Hopefully it will continue to be a part of the Harvest Fair in the future.”
The breakfast will be run by the Daybreak Rotary Club and will also feature completely locally sourced food items, with Odd explaining they are still looking for other locals to potentially take part in the breakfast.
For Tugnum, the generosity of the numerous donors has ensured that the whole community will be able to take part in what is shaping up to be an entertaining affair.
“We think we are going to have an outstanding turnout this year anyhow, because we feel there was a real void in the community last year since we didn’t have the Harvest Fair,” said Tugnum.
“Normally, we get about 15 to 16 booths at the fair. Right now, we have 25. There’s been a huge resurgence in interest in the fair. It’s the community event where everybody can get back together again. Whether it’s bumping into that friend you haven’t seen in a while, or catching up with your neighbours while coming through and seeing all the displays. It’s a great event for the community.”
Entertainment wise, Leslea Destree, another volunteer on the fair board of directors, explained that they have some very exciting acts coming in.
World Juggling Champion Matt Henry will be showcasing his cutting-edge skills throughout the weekend. Henry has performed around the world in front of crowds of more than 10,000, with Destree stating it will be an awesome act for the whole family.
Kellie & Co, Ventriloquist will also be featured at the Harvest Fair. Kellie Haines, who boasts a background in theatre, singing, dance and ventriloquism has also performed for families across North America.
Harvest Fair veteran, Uncle Chris the Clown, will once again bring his high-energy entertainment. Specializing in fairs, corporate and social events and birthday parties, children will most definitely enjoy his comical charisma.
Ted Couling, an extremely talented caricature artist, will also be present at the Harvest Fair, crafting brilliant depictions of friends and families free of charge, in both full colour digital and classic black marker drawings.
Three large bouncy castles and an old-fashioned style photo booth will also be available for families to take part in. Free face painting and balloons will also be available for kids.
A multitude of demonstrations will also be highlighted during the weekend.
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“We have a lady who is coming who will be able to teach people beginners crochet,” said Tugnum.
“We have quilting ladies who will be doing quilting demonstrations all weekend. We have canning demonstrations for all the people who are very interested in canning their own food again. Weavers, spinners and knitters will also be there all weekend.”
Destree also explained that local vendors will be strewn across the fair grounds all weekend.
Whether they are featured at the Farmers’ Market or they have their own food truck, sourcing local businesses is key for the Harvest Fair organizers.
“We’ve had an overwhelming response from local vendors,” said Destree.
“In the crafter’s market, there will be people with homemade soaps, candles, wool products, beautiful handbags, a local canner. There will be lots of things for sale this year at the fair for anyone who is looking to buy any of those kinds of items.”
The Jackpot Gymkhana will also be a major event featured on Sept. 9.
With barrel, poles, stakes, keyhole and speed barrel events available for five distinct age groups, it’s an excellent opportunity for rodeo stars young and old to get out.
A judged dog show will also be happening on Sept. 9 at the Kennel Club.
Although both Destree and Tugnum assured that the Harvest Fair will be going on no matter what, a few events might be changed if the heavy smoke in the area does not clear up come fair time.
“Depending on how the smoke continues, it will determine whether or not be have our horse-drawn carriage rides,” explained Tugnum.
Ultimately, Tugnum says she is incredibly grateful about the fact that the Harvest Fair is now a free event, and explains that it will be an exciting time for the community.
“A chance to reconnect with your neighbours in the city is what it is all about,” said Tugnum. “The fact that it is a free event this year is a really big boost for families as well. You can come all day, and there is literally things to do and keep you occupied for the entire day. There are so many activities, a fun place to be and a great way to connect with some people you might
“To sum it up, my six-year-old granddaughter asked me whether or not we were going to have the fair this year,” continued Tugnum. “She hasn’t been to the fair since she was four, and those are some of her fondest memories. It’s just a great, positive place to make memories, have fun, and reconnect.
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