A PROUD HISTORY
Our journey began in 1910. At the time, it was the goal of the BC Department of Agriculture to see the province’s many, then-disconnected fairs organized into “circuits, according to districts.” Their main concern at the time? The assemblage of “uniform prize-lists.”
However, even amidst such modest concerns, there was already a sense that fairs were a barometer for the “agricultural welfare of the country,” and that it would be prudent to find a way to unite them along “educational lines” for the benefit of the public. With this object in view, they gathered representatives from all existing fairs at a central convention, held on January 31st, 1910. It was here that the many, disparate fairs in BC, became BC Fairs.
In the year that followed, the Department of Agriculture evaluated the efforts of the organization to share information, improve the fair experience, and further fairs as educational venues. And to their estimation, BC Fairs was “one of the best things inaugurated by the Department of Agriculture” since its inception. It’s from these auspicious beginnings that we’ve endured as an organization, growing to represent 48 fairs across the province through the consolidation and delivery of resources, information, and feedback.
MEET OUR TEAM
BC Fairs is proud of our province and the fairs and exhibitions put on by our members. Our board and staff members are available for all members to ask questions and we take pleasure in connecting the communities together in a welcoming network of like-minded individuals. Through our activities we strive to educate, empower and excite our members and the community. Why? Because we are all passionate about the importance of agriculture and the value it adds to the economy of British Columbia.
LATEST NEWS
The holiday season is upon us, and there's no better place to create magical memories with family and friends than at the PNE Winter Fair , presented by BCAA . From December 6th to 8th and 12th to 23rd , immerse yourself in a winter wonderland filled with dazzling lights, festive activities, delicious treats, and unforgettable entertainment. Whether you’re gliding across the ice, snapping a photo with Santa, or enjoying a heartwarming holiday show, the PNE Winter Fair has something for everyone! Event Details: Dates : December 6th-8th & 12th-23rd Hours : 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM Ticket Deals : Save 30% with your BCAA Membership , and enjoy group rates if you're planning to bring a crowd. (It's also the perfect spot to host your holiday party!) What's New This Year? The PNE Winter Fair just keeps getting better! We've added two exciting new rides: Berry-Go-Round : A whimsical, berry-themed ride that's fun for all ages! Ferris Wheel : Get a bird’s-eye view of the glowing holiday lights and sparkling festivities below. Winter Lights: A Sparkling Journey One of the highlights of the PNE Winter Fair is the WinterLights display, presented by BC Hydro . Prepare to be enchanted as you walk through the Polar Passage light tunnel , marvel at Candy Cane Lane , and journey through enchanted lands filled with glowing foxes, seals, giant moose, and dazzling arches. Don’t forget to snap a photo in front of the new illuminated train — it’s an experience you won’t want to miss! Entertainment for All Ages There’s no shortage of fun, with live shows and activities to enjoy throughout the evening. Nutcracker on Ice : Back by popular demand! This beautiful performance combines the elegance of ballet with breathtaking ice skating, featuring world-class figure skaters and stunning special effects. Showtimes are at 6:30 PM & 8:45 PM . Magic of Santa : Join Skitter the Mouse on his heartwarming holiday adventure in this festive stage show, complete with a jolly cast of characters like Rudy the Polar Bear and Tinsel the Christmas Tree. This holiday musical is perfect for the whole family! Showtimes are at 5:00 PM & 7:30 PM . Discover Santa : Meet the big guy himself on a magical, interactive journey. Write a letter to Santa, make an ornament, and even leave a treat for the reindeer. It’s a holiday adventure your little ones will treasure. Professional photos with Santa are available for just $15! PNE Holiday Express Train : Hop aboard this beloved train ride, presented by Translink , and take a journey through the Winter Fair’s sparkling displays. It’s a perfect way to soak in all the sights and lights. $2 per ride . Skating & Ice Bumper Cars: Cool Fun for Everyone! For those who enjoy classic winter fun, head over to the Tim Hortons Ice Rink . Whether you're skating under the twinkling lights or trying the thrilling Ice Bumper Cars (a family favorite), you’re in for a treat! Skate rentals are available for just $8, and the bumper cars are $8 per person. Make sure to arrive early, as these popular attractions tend to sell out quickly. Games, Rides & More The Winter Fair is packed with fun for everyone, no matter your age or thrill level!  Midway Games : Test your skills and win festive prizes with games like Pop Starz , Whac-a-mole , and the new Roll-a-ball . Berry-Go-Round and Ferris Wheel : These classic rides will be fun for the whole family, with breathtaking views of the fairgrounds. Winter Chalet : Need a break? Warm up in the cozy Winter Chalet with live holiday music. Sip a hot drink, relax, and soak up the festive atmosphere. Holiday Eats & Treats What’s a holiday celebration without food? The PNE Winter Fair features some of Vancouver’s best food vendors, serving up a range of delicious holiday treats and festive eats. Whether you’re craving classic comfort food or something a little different, there’s something to satisfy every taste. Plus, check out the Holiday Market , presented by Interac , for a unique shopping experience featuring local artisans and vendors. Don’t Miss Out — Get Your Tickets Today! The PNE Winter Fair is sure to become your new holiday tradition. So grab your friends, gather the family, and experience the magic of the season in true PNE style. And don’t forget — BCAA members save 30% on tickets , so be sure to take advantage of this special offer! Ticket Prices : General admission, rides, and activities vary in price, but with all the savings, it’s the best way to experience the season’s magic without breaking the bank. Ready to create magical memories? Buy your tickets now and get ready for an unforgettable holiday adventure at the PNE Winter Fair ! Feel free to check out all the event details and explore the many activities and shows that will make your visit to the PNE Winter Fair a highlight of your holiday season! See you there! 🎄✨
In January 1990 I began a temporary administrative job with Abbotsford Agrifair while they recruited someone for the position. I didn’t leave until August 2015. During that time, not only did my job go from temporary to permanent, but it went from part time to full time. I briefly left Agrifair in March 2006 and went to Cloverdale Rodeo & Exhibition Association but in August I was invited to go back to Agrifair as General Manager and by November I returned. In 1996 I attended my first BC Fairs conference held in Pt. Alberni. I don’t remember the sessions at all. What I do remember is the fun night – a harbor cruise in the dark where we couldn’t see a thing and an evening in someone’s room having a beach party while Jack Jackson sat on a chair in the hallway and sang. I’ve attended every BC Fairs conference since then except for the 2020 and 2001 which were cancelled due to Covid. Attending the conferences has given me the opportunity to see new places, meet new people and make new friends but most importantly learn as much as possible to do my job for 25 years. I was fortunate to also attend CAFÉ and IAFE conferences but BC Fairs were by far my favorite. Working in the non-profit world – both for a fair as paid staff and for BC Fairs as a volunteer director – was not my life plan. It evolved naturally. And now with no regrets I look back on all I experienced and all I accomplished because of fairs with pride and joy. I have never enjoyed being in the spotlight and avoided it if at all possible. So in October 2004 at the annual BC Fairs conference in Abbotsford when I was approached to let my name stand for director, I firmly said ‘no thank you’. After much discussion and persuasive argument from a few who believed in me, I very reluctantly said yes. That was back when BC Fairs Annual General Meeting and elections were held during the conference. My ‘team’ even had an election campaign over the 36 hours. I wrote a speech because I absolutely couldn’t wing it. I delivered it at the AGM Saturday morning with a tremor in my voice, rattling paper in my hands and knocking knees. And I was successfully elected to the BC Fairs Board of Directors. The first couple years was definitely a learning experience – how to be a director and how BC Fairs operated. As I gained knowledge, I also gained confidence which enabled me to engage in discussions and begin making suggestions. Over the past 20 years I’ve enjoyed being on a variety of committees – awards, conference, silent auction, marketing and sponsorship – as a committee member and some as committee chair. There’s a lot to do as a director of BC Fairs and our Executive Director appreciates all the active participation and support we can provide. I was also privileged to be part of our fair evaluation program. Even though BC Fairs no longer tours the province evaluating our member fairs – which is unfortunate – I encourage you to visit your neighbor fair. The experience will greatly benefit your own fair planning. Get to know the fair organizers, exchange ideas, share equipment. There’s so many ways to help each other. I have also had the honor of serving on the executive committee as secretary, first and second vice president and treasurer. I’ve always refused the president’s position. As in any organization, for profit or not, the team is made up of a variety of people, each bringing their ideas, experience and goals to the mix. This is what makes the job – and life – interesting. I am now at a point in my life where I have different goals and priorities. My husband Jim (of 46 years) has retired and our daughter Lisa and her family – husband AJ and two children Ben and Ellie – have moved to Prince George. We ourselves moved to Sechelt in 2022 but have constantly been on the move in our RV the last two years. We are healthy and happy and want to make the most of our retirement years. I feel it is time to say ‘fair-well’ to the fair community and definitely make way for someone new to step onto the board. You may have reservations, but if I can step out of my comfort zone and act as a director for 20 years, I know you can too. I strongly encourage you to get on board!! You have so much to gain in return for all you can offer. My final words – thank you to the fair community as a whole, for giving me 34 years of fun and laughter (which made up for the occasional trials and tears). Thank you to BC Fairs Board of Directors – each one of you over the past twenty years – for showing me what working together as a team could be. Thank you to our Executive Director Janine for so ably ‘herding the cats’, we most often were as directors. It has been a wonderful life – FAIRWELL!!!
In recognition of academic achievement and a profound understanding of the impact of wildfires on agriculture in British Columbia, Sunaina Sharma has been awarded the prestigious $2,000 BC Fairs scholarship. This scholarship, presented annually to a deserving student, highlights Sharma's exceptional dedication and insights into one of the province's most pressing issues. Sunaina Sharma, a proud resident of Abbotsford, is set to embark on her post-secondary journey at Simon Fraser University this fall, enrolling in the French Cohort program. Her fascination with the intersection of wildfires and agriculture stemmed from her personal experiences witnessing the smoke drift over Abbotsford and the widespread media coverage that ensued. This prompted her to delve deeper into the topic, realising its significance for the community and the agricultural sector. Her scholarship application essay eloquently explored both the adverse and unexpected positive effects of wildfires on agriculture in British Columbia. Sunaina's research revealed a nuanced understanding, highlighting the many challenges to the agriculture industry while explaining the benefits like how the nutrient-rich ashes from wildfires can foster new growth and rejuvenate soil quality, which benefits productivity. Reflecting on her findings, Sunaina remarked, "I was surprised to learn about the benefits that wildfires can bring to soil. It challenged my initial perceptions and broadened my perspective on environmental dynamics." Beyond her academic pursuits, Sunaina Sharma exemplifies a commitment to continuous learning and community engagement. Her passions include tutoring in French, contributing as employee of a local business, and volunteering at various community events, all while nurturing her love for gardening—a testament to her multifaceted interests and proactive approach to making a positive impact. The selection process for the BC Fairs scholarship involved a thorough review by the board of directors, who were impressed by Sunaina's comprehensive analysis, passion for learning, and dedication to understanding the complexities of agriculture in British Columbia amidst environmental challenges. Sunaina's receipt of the $2,000 scholarship not only recognizes her academic excellence but also celebrates her as a promising leader who is poised to make meaningful contributions to her community and beyond. Her journey embodies the spirit of inquiry, resilience, and commitment to sustainability that defines the ethos of BC Fairs and its dedication to supporting the next generation of leaders in agriculture. Congratulations to Sunaina Sharma on this well-deserved achievement, and best wishes for her future endeavours at Simon Fraser University and beyond.