The Weyburn Agricultural Society Fair is just around the corner, running July 2-4. This year marks the 104th anniversary of the fair, which began in 1908.
The Weyburn Agricultural Society Fair is just around the corner, running July 2-4.
This year marks the 104th anniversary of the fair, which began in 1908.
Although both Weyburn and the fair have changed a lot in that time, the core values that keep the event going have remained constant.
"Agriculture is such a huge part of the economy and the history here," said Treva Tollefson, Agricultural Society president.
That's why the fair has such a huge agricultural component, anchored by the large 4-H show that happens every year at the fair.
"There is going to be a big 4-H show this year, over 150 steer," said Neal Keefe, attractions director for the Agricultural Society.
The agricultural events kick-off even before the fair starts, with a horse show on Sunday, July 1.
The agricultural theme continues to thread its way through the fair with 4-H events, chuckwagon races, barrel racing, and a heavy horse pull competition throughout.
The heavy horse pull competition is real call back to the fair's early years.
The event showcases the power of the natural world, before the use of machinery took over in agriculture. A team of two horses try to pull as much weight as they can during the event, giving real meaning to the term horsepower.
While many of the fair's events pay homage to its past, some new events are ensuring a bright future for the fair.
"New this year is the Que Bola Magic Show, and they are some very colourful young magicians," said Keefe.
The Que Bola show, running once daily at 2 p.m. for the duration of the fair, features magicians Ariel Morales and Rochelle Allison.
"This will be fun for the kids," said Keefe.
Another new event that will definitely get the young, and young at heart, excited is the Golden Dragon Wrestling Show.
"We're definitely anticipating some excitement around the wrestling," said Keefe.
The high-flying wrestling show is based out of Moose Jaw, and features such bruisers as the Golden Dragon himself, as well as Dusty Lamborghini and JC McStrongarm.
The brawlers will go at it during the afternoon on Wednesday, July 4.
Some classic events will continue to draw crowds at this year's fair as well.
"We're going to have the demo derby and the lawnmower races again, and they always draw a huge crowd," said Tollefson.
Everyone's favourite rides and games will also be back this year with Canuck Amusements putting on the midway again.
The Youth Talent Search will also be giving Weyburn's budding performers a chance to be recognized for their skills and giving them a chance to move on to the provincial talent competition. So far there are about 15 acts booked in for the talent competition, across several different categories, said agricultural society secretary Jessica Shelly.
An event that goes hand-in-hand with fair is the parade, presented by the Weyburn and District Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, July 3.
"We do this every year as our way of officially kicking off summer," said Jeff Richards, chamber manager.
"It's great to come out and see all the kids enjoying all the floats," he added.
"The chamber has been doing this for many years, helping the Agricultural Society get some attention for the fair, and it's a lot of fun for our members," added Richards.
"We're expecting a large parade this year," said Richards, noting that there are normally between 50 and 80 floats every year.
Richards had a few tips for parade-goers looking to get the best spot.
"Downtown is the best spot to watch, everybody holds their best candy for downtown," he said.
The parade will launch at 10:30 a.m., on July 3.
With the fair only days away, event organizers are hoping the weather is going to continue to be hot and sunny, perfect conditions to enjoy some cotton candy or an elephant ear.
Some great weather would help organizers meet their target of having 10,000 people pass through the fair gates over the fair's three days.
