The community is ready to once again celebrate Abbotsford Agrifair from Aug. 3 to 5. Here is what to expect from the 108th annual event.
Friday Main Stage: Celebrating Diversity with Dance and Music
A few years ago the fair organizers started planning the evening concerts in the ball diamond, under the stars and on the grass. It has proven to be successful for both performers and guests. Volunteer Entertainment Chair Brad Styba said his favourite part of the fair is the concerts, “every year they just get better.” Building on the multicultural theme of 2017, Friday night will once again showcase a variety of local talent. Sto:lo is the opening act, with the Chilliwack Harmony Chorus, Saint Soldier, Bollywood Dance, Gurmat Centre and Excel Martial Arts with demonstrations, swing dance, Gidha Dance and closing soloist Ranj Sing.
Saturday Main Stage: Canada’s own JoJo Mason
Saturday night is throwing more country flavour at attendees this year featuring Canada’s own Jojo Mason. Country 107.1 and Star FM 98.3 have partnered with Agrifair and are very excited to have this caliber of country talent grace the stage. Opening act will be the winner of the Country 107.1 versus Star FM 98.3 social media music contest. Curtis Pope, music director and afternoon host of 107.1 stated; “we are thrilled to partner with the fair – Jojo brings immense talent to the stage and puts on an awesome performance.”
Sunday: Concert Themed Praise in the Park
Sunday night remains themed to Christian talent. “Being compared to LMG Concerts is very flattering,” stated Melanie Kish, fair manager. “Brad and I started throwing out ideas and names and pretty soon we had a full showcase of talent lined up for Sunday night.” The opening slot was awarded to the winner of the talent search Praise 106.5 held known as the Dawn Chorus. Abbotsford’s own Ryan McAllister, who performed briefly last year is back with a full band and set, followed by Jonny Diaz, then Chris August, finally closing with top 10 artist Citizen Way. Bring your lawn chairs folks, it is called “Praise in the Park” sponsored by Columbia Cabinets, seating opens at 3:30 p.m., concert starts at 4 p.m.
Crash ‘em, smash ‘em, watch ‘em soar like eagles
The motor sports arena welcomes back the popular favourites - The FMX Bike Guys and Northern Lights Motorsports. These guys sure know how to entertain, with the jumps, the flips and all the action. It is spellbinding watching the riders fly through the air and actually let go of their bikes. The demolition derby has added a new interactive portion to their show. On Saturday only, kids can come down and help paint their car (protective clothing is provided) and later that day they can cheer on their own car as it challenges other drivers in the demo derby. Ross Edwards of Northern Lights and Kris Garwasiuk of the Global FMX know how to make your heart jump. Sit back and enjoy a cold beer, pop and some pizza while you watch the show. One show is on Friday, two shows on Saturday and Sunday.
Save your toonies
Shooting Star Midway is back for another year and return with the loved Toonie day. On opening day, on Friday Aug. 3 from noon to 3 p.m., every ride will only cost a toonie. That’s right you can ride for just two bucks. One ride, one person - $2. All day ride wristbands are available daily at a cost of $35. Did you know that a single ride can cost the midway company over a quarter of a million dollars, and that doesn’t even include maintenance. This year there will be 18 rides - 12 adult and six for kids. The rides are based on a ticket system. You can check out their website for a full breakdown of pricing at shootingstar.ca.
RCMP
Get ready to salute your community. Not only do we have the retiring Chief of Police accepting the salute on Friday, but we have a local boy who won the national contest to name an RCMP foal receiving his honour. Saturday will see the Davidson Family taking the 12:30 p.m. salute and Abbotsford Fire Rescue Services taking the 430 p.m. salute. Sunday will see the salute taken by a military female personnel, celebrating the 100th anniversary that women have been allowed to vote. And on Sunday you have the opportunity to take a “selfie” with an RCMP member and their steed.
NEW & EXCITING
The Dock Dog Show and Competition is a 40-foot swimming pool only for the canine. This is a brand new event for Agrifair and we are excited to see how the competitors react as well as the public. This show has been very successful at other events and it is happening all weekend long. You can register your own favourite pooch at dockdogs.com/eventscal/abbotsford-agrifair. The show runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
Cannon Bar Logger competition
A lumberjack competition? Well, for the first time since we since 1970, Agrifair will be hosting an all out gold medal lumberjack competition. A full on competition hosted at Agrifair. Abbotsford Agrifair is pleased to present the Cannon Top Gun Logger Sport Competition on Saturday only from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. We are hosting an International Men’s Open Logger Sports competition, a competition the Lower Mainland has never seen. There will be representation from Canada, USA, Australia and New Zealand. “A test of discipline; requiring speed, power and accuracy will determine who stands at the top of the podium to claim the ultimate title of ‘Cannon Bar Works TOP GUN’,” stated Ben Lefler, logger sport organizer. Don’t miss Abbotsford Fire Rescue Services throwing the golden axe during the opening welcome at 10:30 a.m., competition is located in the food court area.
Dally & Spanky
Check out the Country Horse Classic show featuring drill team demos, Canadian Horse team demos, or Dally and Spanky - a Jack Russell Terrier playing and riding with a Shetland pony. There will also be the one and only Steve Rathtrevor “The Horse Whisperer” ready to assist with all your horse questions. Counrty Horse Classic runs daily from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Special Guests from the Wrestling word
The wrestling arena will see action in the ring on Friday and Saturday only featuring midget wrestlers Short Sleeve Sampson and Loco. Fans will also have the chance to get their autograph. These fellows can tear a strip off anyone who dares to jump in the ring with them. “Wrestling has become a cult hit at Agrifair”, stated Mike Hammond aka “Mike the Gentleman” who is also the organizer. There is no air-conditioning in the building so we know people are coming for the action. Wrestling is located in the Cadet Building and has three shows daily at noon, 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Need to cool down?
The Fraserway RV family zone is back and even more exciting. Besides having strolling characters coming through to spend time with you and read a story; characters include: Spiderman, Anna & Elsa, Belle, and the Mad Hatter, there will be parrots that purr. There will also be free mini-golf, free science shows, free keva play, free lego play, a Koi pond with demos, exciting exhibitors, and two escape rooms. This building is also home of the Save-On-Foods family room, which is a place to sit and relax with your wee one. The family room provides free diapers and wipes and a semi-private area for families to get a little break before heading back out to all the other action.
Returning favourites
Big hits from last year making a return this year include: the Laughing Logger Show. Just try not to laugh, this show will be dark on Saturday to make room for the logger competition. There will also be an interactive axe throw area and of course Ryan Cook, famous carver, will be carving up a storm all weekend. Richard’s Racing Pigs and Ducks are back with the squeals of joy that many giggle at.
Fraser Valley Antique Farms Machinery Association
Every year the Fraser Valley Antique Farm Machinery Association looks forward to Agrifair, it’s a chance for the club to showcase their collection of antique farm equipment. The antique tractors and demonstrations in and around the Pioneer Barn always draw a big crowd.
The Pioneer Barn showcases a historic collection of farming equipment, some pieces date back to the early 1900s. Most of the unique collection has been donated to the club by local farmers and their families in order to preserve farming history. Farming and agriculture have played an important role in the economic development of our community. The club membership mainly consists of retired local farmers who maintain and operate the Pioneer Barn at Exhibition Park in Abbotsford. They have seen and experienced first-hand the significant changes in farming that have evolved over the years. They want to share their farming experiences and knowledge and to educate the community on the role that agriculture and farming has played in the development of the strong agriculture base in and around our community.
This group of hard working volunteers are busy year-round in the Pioneer Barn dedicating many hours to maintain it, and countless hours working to preserve, restore, and keep all of the collection in top notch condition. They do this to maintain our history and for respect of the pioneers who donated much of the collection of tractors, farming equipment, and tools.
The FVAFMA is proud of the fact that we have one of the oldest, fully running, diesel powered sawmills, not only in B.C., but in Western Canada. Our sawmill was manufactured around 1935 and in its day, the mill was used mainly to cut railway ties, which provided a good source of income for the pioneer families in this area. Its large circular blade slices full size trees, 23 inches in diameter and 14 feet long into planks in varying thickness.
This year the FVAFMA has been busy working on a special restoration project which is making its debut at Agrifair. Visit the Pioneer Barn and check out the newly restored 1948 Cub International. What is special about this tractor is that she is pink and she is definitely a beauty.
Inside the Pioneer Barn you can grab a seat and enjoy the live accordion music of Dave Hornung. And again this year, the Pioneer Kitchen is serving up the best homemade pie in the Fraser Valley - it’s a fair tradition.
Abbotsford Police LEGO
Abbotsford Police Foundation (APF) ambassadors are excited to be back at Agrifair again this year. Look for them next to the Abbotsford Police Department (APD) display by the main gate from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day.
LEGO certified professional Robin Sather has created two, limited edition (just 500 of each) building kits for us. These exclusive, custom kits - only available at Agrifair -honour the work of the APD. Kits depict the annual APD City Basketball Tournament ($10); and the APD ‘Gator’ ($15). Cash sales only, while supplies last.
Through the generosity of our citizens and businesses, the APF was able to fund the purchase of the APD gator last year; and we are proud to have been able to have helped fund the APD City Basketball Tournament for many years. These are just two of the initiatives that help demonstrate how the APF motto ‘Together for Safer Abbotsford’ comes to life when citizens, businesses and the police all work together.
With the goal of helping our police make Abbotsford ‘The Safest City in BC’ we support APD initiatives building positive connections between police and the community. To find out more about the APF, to donate, and to see your generosity at work visit us them at abbypf.ca
Country Horse Classic
This year’s Country Horse Classic will be running daily at 5:00 p.m, with many new and exciting shows to see as well as some returning favourites.
Returning this year is our pair of six horse draft teams featuring the Mt. Baker Clydesdales and the Shagren’s Belgians with a new feature of a six-team Shetland pony hitch. As well as our crowd pleaser the Horse and Hound, where a team of dogs pair up with a horse team to complete the obstacle course as fast as they can. We also welcome back our Icelandic drill team and mini-Liberty to add a little horse and musical flare to our show.
New this year we have Dally and Spanky, a best friend duo featuring a Jack Russell riding a Shetland pony. And joining us for Saturday and Sunday performances will be our national canadian horse.
Make sure you check out this year Country Horse Classic Show with horses of all shapes, sizes and breeds putting on an amazing show for all our guests.
Agriland and 4-H
It is one of Agrifair main goals to bring a wide verity of animals for everyone to enjoy. Joining us this year will be ostrich, long horn cows, peacocks, mini-donkeys and an assortment of other unique and everyday animals. Make sure you and your family take time to take a walk down Agriland and take a selfie with some of our unique livestock.
Don’t forget to chat with our 4-H members, they would love to share their knowledge with you and answer your questions. 4-H is a program designed for youth aged nine to 21 years old. The 4-H motto is “learn to do by doing”. These youth put hours into training and creating their projects and Agrifair is honoured to help them show off their hard work.