Western Canada’s longest continually running agricultural fair could be cancelled this year due to the pandemic, says the president of the society that stages the Saanich Fair.
A decision on whether the fair will go ahead in early September is expected at the May 13 board meeting of the North and South Saanich Agricultural Society.
This is the 152nd year for the fair, and if it’s cancelled, there will be some kind of online presence for continuity, said society president Dave Hamer, but he’s not sure yet how that might look.
Every year, the Saanich Fair draws about 50,000 people over three days to see livestock, produce, arts and crafts, live music, games, rides and more. Many non-profit organizations earn revenue from food stalls.
This year’s fair was set to run Sept. 5, 6 and 7 at the fairgrounds on Stellys Cross Road.
The event, the main revenue generator and focus for the society, takes 500 volunteers and six full-time staff to stage and to care for the property, Hamer said.
An application for financial help has been submitted to the federal government, he said.
The fairground site has been closed since mid-March and access is not allowed because of virus concerns. It will be closed at least until the end of May, Hamer said.
