BC Fairs Member Leaves A Legacy

Picture: Winner Connie Sparrow from Victoria in front of the amazing wine selection at her local BC Liquor Store

Prepare for an exhilarating adventure that celebrates the very heart of British Columbia – its agriculture! BC Fairs, in collaboration with Buy BC, a Ministry of Agriculture and Food initiative, proudly announces the launch of the BC Fairs Scavenger Hunt. This immersive contest invites participants to embark on a journey that uncovers the richness of local agriculture while offering a chance to win $500. With British Columbia's diverse agricultural landscape as its backdrop, the BC Fairs Scavenger Hunt aims to highlight the dedication and hard work of local farmers, growers, and producers who contribute to the province's culinary tapestry. The contest not only engages participants in a series of fun and educational challenges but also serves as a platform to promote and support homegrown agriculture. Tom Harter, President of BC Fairs, expresses his enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, "The BC Fairs Scavenger Hunt brings together our commitment to community events and our shared passion for supporting local agriculture. It's more than just a contest – it's an opportunity for participants to connect with the land and the people who bring food to our tables." This partnership between BC Fairs and Buy BC, a program dedicated to showcasing the quality and diversity of BC-produced foods and beverages, amplifies the reach of local agriculture. By integrating member events listed on the BC Fairs website and app into the Scavenger Hunt challenges, participants are encouraged to explore local markets, fairs, and farms, fostering a deeper connection to the producers and their communities. Minister of Agriculture and Food, Pam Alexis added “British Columbia’s agriculture community is rich and diverse and this contest encourages people to celebrate the wide variety of food produced and grown in our province. By exploring and connecting with local producers, participants can win great prizes, enjoy more of the flavours our province offers, and support the people putting fresh and local food on our plates and tables.” The BC Fairs Scavenger Hunt encourages both seasoned adventurers and newcomers to explore the province's agricultural treasures. The contest encourages participants to discover the stories behind BC's farming culture, building a bridge between urban and rural communities. As participants complete challenges, they accumulate entries for a chance to win one of three $500 prizes. Beyond the prizes, the true reward lies in experiencing the genuine flavours, textures, and stories of British Columbia's agriculture. Join us in celebrating the bounty of British Columbia's agriculture with the BC Fairs Scavenger Hunt. Together, we're sowing the seeds of awareness, appreciation, and unity among our local communities. LEARN MORE BC Agriculture Scavenger Hunt | https://www.bcfairs.ca/Agriculture-Scavenger-Hunt BC Fairs, Exhibitions & Festivals | https://www.bcfairs.ca/ Buy BC | https://buybc.gov.bc.ca/

The Pacific National Exhibition has partnered with Chevrolet to bring a unique experience for fair attendees. The Chevrolet EV Discovery Area at the PNE , provides an opportunity to explore the world of electric vehicles, led by the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV . According to the press release, 'You can find an impressive amount of range on EV's of up to 515km on a full charge but recharging while you’re on the move is as easy as pulling in, plugging in, and charging up. With over 100,000 publicly available charging points in Canada and the U.S., charging options are available when you are on the go. From skipping the pumps, zero tailpipe emissions, freedom of the HOV lane, and local tax incentives, there’s a host of benefits to fitting electric into your lifestyle.' Always a leader in events, it's no surprise the PNE is embracing the electric vehicle future and bringing hands on experiences to the thousands who will attend. >> Learn about the benefits of EV's

Emma Dinn, BC Agriculture Fairs, Exhibitions and Events 2023 scholarship winner

BC Fairs Buy BC Agriculture Trivia Contest A Big Success

Kaden Tamis, a Holy Cross Regional High School Graduate from Surrey, B.C. is this years BC Association of Agricultural Fairs & Exhibitions scholarship recipient. Throughout his education Kaden has been recognized with numerous awards including the Gold Honour Roll, Instrumental Solid Performer of the Year, Basketball Most Improved Player and Outstanding Achievement in Christian Education. His biggest honour came outside of school when he received the 4-H Pledge Award , the first that has been granted in 10 years. The award recognizes demonstrated aspects of the 4-H pledge which includes 'My head to clear thinking; my heart to greater loyalty; my hands to larger service and my health for better living for the club, the community, the country and the world'. Kaden gives back to his community through volunteering including his Music Student Leadership team, Alter Server at Precious Blood Parish , helping with food donations to the local soup kitchen and multiple roles with 4-H. He also has significant experience in the agriculture industry have worked at farms throughout the Fraser Valley and supporting local neighbours with chores around their homes. On Behalf of all our members, the President and Directors of the board, congratulations to Kaden Tamis on receiving the 2022 BC Association of Agricultural Fairs & Exhibitions scholarship. BC Association of Agricultural Fairs & Exhibitions recognizes the importance of education to the future of the agriculture industry and offers a yearly scholarship of $2,500. Stay in contact to be notified for the entries call in 2023 by regularly visiting our website, following our social media channels or downloading our app.

Our industry recently lost passionate fair supporter Irene Hill. Irene was a bright light in making the Pass Creek Fall Fair what it is today. The fair community across BC sends heartfelt condolences to family and friends. We hold Irene in high esteem for her many contributions. She will be missed. Below is Irenes obituary from the Castlegar Funeral Chapel . OBITUARY It is with heavy hearts that we sadly mark the peaceful passing of Irene Clara Hill. Irene “Buckley” Hill was born in Trail, B.C., raised in the Pend Oreille on the Buckley Homestead where the 7 Mile Damn is now situated & the Buckley campground. Daughter of Arthur & Marion Buckley, sister to Anna Buckley Mclean & Neil- deceased), Gary Buckley (Diane-deceased), Hugh Buckley (Shirley), Kathy Buckley Seville (Jack- deceased) & Fred Buckley (Janice) Irene married Donald Hill on December 16th, 1952 at the Columbia Gardens family home. Don & Irene moved to Robson in 1964 where they purchased property & built their home and lived there until 2019, when they moved to Castlewood. Irene spent many years volunteering with Girl Guides and retired as District Commissioner. Irene enjoyed bowling, sewing, gardening and her family. After Colleen and Donna left home, Irene joined Don travelling with Emil Anderson Construction and worked on numerous paving projects through out the province until retirement. Irene & Don joined the Pass Creek Fall Fair organization and help build it into the Fair grounds it is today. All the buildings at the Fair grounds were built by Irene & Don with the help of wonderful volunteers. Irene was the main organizer of the Pass Creek Fall Fair for over 25 years. Irene helped host two R.C.M.P. Musical Rides and numerous other community events held at the grounds. Irene leaves behind her loving husband of nearly 70 years Don Hill, daughter’s Colleen “Hill” Mooney (Craig), Donna Hill Smith (Rick) Grand-daughters Jamie Madeira (Dan), Jessica Smith (Charlie) Great-grandson’s Lincoln & Knox Madeira & Levi Roan Coleman. Wife, Mom, Grandma and Great-grandma, Sister & Friend will be dearly missed by those lives she touched and we will cherish her memory forever. MOM, WE LOVE YOU DEARLY AND THERE IS A NOW A VOID IN OUR HEARTS THAT WON’T BE HEALED UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN. Thank you to Dr. Ellen Smart, staff at Castleview and Castlewood for the wonderful care given to Irene. In lieu of flowers please donate to the Heart / Stroke foundation or charity of your choice. Please join the family in a Celebration of Life for Irene on October 16th, 2022 at the Robson Hall between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm.

Buy BC , the provinces agriculture champion for made in bc food and beverage products, proudly announced their new Chef Ambassador. Ned Bell , the award winning Executive Chef, Partner and General Manager of Naramata Inn , will be a Buy BC advocate for all members in the Province. Read the full story here .

The BC Fairs community sends deep condolences to everyone coping with the aftermath of the devastating accident that occurred. A tragedy for friends and families of those who lost their lives, and heartbreaking for the the 4-H youth who lost their animals at a time when they were preparing to celebrate the best of agriculture in BC. You are all in our thoughts.