BONNYVILLE – What could make the Bonnyville Fall Fair even better? What about expanding races over a two-day stretch.
For the first time, the Fall Fair will take place over two days with the bulk of the entertainment taking over the Bonnyville Rodeo Grounds throughout the day on Saturday.
“We'll have all the kids' games, pony rides, wagon rides, face painting, and the Ranch Rodeo on Saturday,” explained Corey Dows, the Bonnyville Ag Society treasurer.
Just like last year, the Farmers’ Market Extravaganza will take over the main hall, with expanded space outdoors for more vendor booths from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
As of Aug. 23, 110 tables had already been booked. Shoppers are reminded to bring cash as not all vendors may except cards – however, ATMs will be on site.
“Our goal is to bring different activities for community involvement and give residents the opportunity to come out and just participate,” Dows said.
Community involvement was also the motivation to begin including the Ranch Rodeo in the Fall Fair’s event lineup for the second year in a row.
“There'll be Team Penning, Wild Cow Milking, Doctoring, Mutton Busting for the kids and there's going to be a Calf Scramble – things that you would actually see on a ranch,” he added. “For people that participate, it gets them off the farm and gives them an opportunity to see other people that they would normally do business with or haven't seen for a while.”
Following the Ranch Rodeo on Saturday that will get started at noon, the All Pro Canadian Chucks, Chariot Racing and Indian Relay will take over the rodeo grounds.
“It's been a few years since we've had the Indian Relay at the Bonnyville Rodeo Grounds and they are going to try to start at about 4:30 p.m.,” said Dows, adding that the Ag Society is excited to bring back the jaw-dropping, fan-favourite event.
The Ag Society is expecting about 16 participants for the Indian Relay Race. Teams consist of four people and three horses. A team's rider makes three laps around the track, changing to a new horse at the beginning of each lap.
The riders travel bareback and practically fly between horses as they continue onto the next lap with the next horse. “It's a very exciting sport,” said Dows.
With races expected to run into the evening, an 18-plus dance will start at 8 p.m. on Saturday with music by the Dirt Road Maniacs. Admission is $10 for the dance.
On Sunday, a second day of Chuckwagons, Chariots and Indian Relay Races will begin again at noon. The second day includes only the races, there are no kids' games or farmers market, emphasized Dows.
With the Fall Fair having something for all ages and interests at the cost of just $10 per person for those over the age of eight – the event is an affordable event for the whole community.
Dows noted that the Fall Fair would not be possible without the support of its sponsors, including its major sponsors the Town of Bonnyville, MD of Bonnyville and Lakeland Credit Union. “Their support really makes this growing event possible,” he said.