As sure as seasons change, and kids return to school, the Cowichan Exhibition returns to Cowichan Exhibition Park once again in fine valley tradition from Sept. 15 to 17 celebrating its 155th year.
“We never left. We managed to put on a COVID-style fair for two years, and came back in full force last year, ” said executive director Shari Paterson. “One hundred fifty-five years is quite a feat as we are one of the oldest agriculture fairs in the province.”
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The weekend will wow with something for everyone, including hall exhibits, livestock shows, tractor pulls, midway rides, and high end entertainment which will hit the stage on both Friday and Saturday evening. Friday’s lineup will include Vancouver Island’s own Johnny Inappropriate, a cover band known for their high energy, and musical diversity that will take the stage at 5 p.m. Calling all Eagles’ fans to the stage for 8 p.m. as tribute band Eagle Eyes takes attendees on a musical trip down memory lane with all the classics that span the extensive Eagles’ Rock and Roll hall of fame career.
Those that are drawn to good old rock and roll won’t want to miss rocking around the clock with Zachary Stevenson on Sept. 16. Stevenson, who has made his name as a dead ringer for dead singers will be bringing the styling of legendary performers such as Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley, and Jerry Lee Lewis to name a few. Also playing on Saturday night with the time to still be determined will be The Steadies, whose front-man Earl Pereira earned his rock and roll pedigree as the one of the founding members of the iconic Canadian rock band Wide Mouth Mason.
The great lineup on stage is only one of the many high notes for this three-day extravaganza of entertainment. There will be stupendous sights and sounds to marvel the masses, and various vendors to experience serving up everything from information, to products, to tasty treats. Take in the exhibits at Mellor Hall, or talk to members of the 4H club about their livestock and what being a member means to them.
Kids ages seven to 13 are encouraged to enter the colouring contest which went along with this year’s theme inspired by Eric Carle’s children’s classic The Very Hungry Caterpillar. First place contest winners will win a weekend family pass for up to five people while second, and third place colourers will receive the same family pass for just the day on Saturday, and Sunday. Be sure to drop off your child’s colourful creation to the Cowichan Valley Citizen office by Sept. 12 to be eligible. This year’s official Cowichan Exhibition catalogue can be picked up at their office from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Monday to Friday.
The grounds will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., on both Friday and Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, there is plenty of free parking available and a mere $2 gets one in the gate, then the sky is the limit as to what waits on the other side. For more detailed information or to purchase midway tickets or wristbands visit cowex.ca.
“The Cowichan Exhibition brings the community together and celebrated the traditions that we have all come to love about the fair,” said Paterson. “Our hope is that our attendees will take away a greater understanding of agriculture in the Cowichan Valley, fond memories of the sights and sounds of the fair and laughs with family and friends. Most importantly we hope our guests want to come again next year.”
