By Gaven Crites
Hundreds of visitors are expected to descend on the 56th Annual Bridge Lake Fair at Interlakes Hall on Highway 24 on Sunday (Aug. 18).
Along with the main exhibition, people will find a variety of games and entertainment during the fair, which runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
On Saturday, close to 100 entrants will be judged in 17 different categories of goods and wears.
“Whatever you're good at, there's somewhere in the fair for you to enter,” explains Diana Forster, Bridge Lake Fair Association secretary.
Categories include baking, garden fruits and vegetables, preserving, field crops, plants and flowers, wine and beer, crocheting, needle-work, rugs and quilting, weaving and spinning, fine arts and hobbies, photography, dairy and honey.
“We ask that non-perishables – baking and photography and preserving – be brought in the morning, so we have plenty of time to process all the fresh flowers and vegetables that come in the afternoon.”
Winners will be announced Saturday.
Forster has been involved with the fair since 2000. She says it takes organizers a year to plan for the event.
“It's a big deal. It's a fun day.”
Entries will be accepted between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday. Edible entries will be auctioned off after the fair.
“The proceeds are going to the Roe Lake and District Recreation Commission (RLDRC) because they give us use of the hall and grounds for free for the entire weekend.”
Other notable attractions include animals, cake walks, old-fashioned races, musical entertainment, a miniature horse and cart driving demonstration and an appearance by “The Chainsaw Girl” Liz McMann.
At 11 a.m. Sunday, Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo MP Cathy McLeod will present a $25,000 cheque to the RLDRC for its kitchen venting and fire-suppression system.
Admission is $2 for adults and $1 for children and seniors with proceeds from the gate going to top competitors.