Country Fair open to all this week

Posted on July 20, 2023 by Ryan Dahlman

By Anna Smith
Commentator/Courier

This week, from July 18-20, the Bow Island and District Agricultural Society is looking for the best and the brightest of countless categories for the Pivot Country Fair.

“It showcases everything from agriculture to flour, grains, cooking, stitchery, crafts, toys, art – lots of some beautiful art – photography, creative writing. And then there’s a whole section for kids from preschool, right on through to grade 12,” said volunteer Irene Heck.

Each section has its own sponsor from a long and storied list, said Heck, who all pitch in to help with the awards and cash prizes for the first, second, and third place winners in the many, many categories. The event takes place at the Servus Community Arena.

The fair has been around for decades, and by now, putting it together is like a well-oiled machine. They are excited to see new faces and younger folk volunteering, however, as it speaks to the longevity of the event.

“We can always welcome people who want to join us and volunteer. Like, if you are not on the executive, it’s a matter of two weeks, two meetings… and the three days that… we do the pivot fair is your volunteer time. So only three days for something that’s so important,” said Heck.

“It’s for everybody. So we encourage whatever; if you’re a gardener bring your things, if you’re a baker bringing your baking, if you’re an artist, bring your art,” said Heck. “And if you’re none of the above, come down when judging starts and see what everyone brought!”

This year, the fair has a guest speaker, Roxanne Doerksen from T.R.A.D. Worms, who will be speaking the secrets of vermicomposting and how she made her business surrounding earthworms into the soil empire it’s become over the past several years.

These small town community events are so important, added Heck, who is passionate about seeing it continue year after year, and hopes to one day be complaining that they don’t have the space or tables for all of the entries this year.

Entries will be accepted on Tuesday from 7:00–8:30 p.m., through to Wednesday from 9 a.m. to noon, and public viewing of the exhibits will begin on Wednesday from 7:00–8:30 p.m. and Thursday from 1:00–6:00 p.m.