As we begin to celebrate the fall season, the Cowichan Exhibition celebrates their 156th year of being a staple of good times, fun, and building community.
"It's very exciting, and quite an accomplishment to be celebrating 156 years of growing," said executive director Shari Paterson.
The fair returns for the weekend of Sept. 13 through to the 15 with something special for everyone including livestock shows, hall exhibits, midway rides, tractor pulls, and tons of tremendous talent guaranteed to move you. Friday's rocking line up will have the valley's own Thick as Thieves, formerly known as Row of Crowz, bringing their blend of classic and country rock to the stage at 5 p.m., with Matt Lemay on lead vocals and guitar, Steve Hutcheson on bass and vocals, Rob Lise on lead guitar and Darrell Posehn on vocals and drums. Just in time for sunset, Sundown, a Gordon Lightfoot experience takes the stage at 8 p.m. with the talents of Trevor Price on vocals and guitar, Bob Wilson on lead guitar and mandolin, Andrew McMillian on bass, and the tribute band will also have local drummer Alan Cameron providing the back beat to the music of the legendary Lightfoot.
The sound of music fills the air a little earlier on Saturday, Sept. 14 with The Porter Brothers kicking things off at 2:45 p.m., as siblings Jack, Marshall, and Dean get the good times rolling with a set list of original songs. You won't need a shoe phone to get dialed into Cowichan Valley favourite Maxwell Smart at 5 p.m., then music lovers will be able to experience Eagles' tribute band Eagle Eyes take it to the limit at 8 p.m. You don't have to check into Hotel California but Eagles' fans will want to check out Jack Gunderson on lead vocals and bass, Jason Dunajski and Ray Harvey on lead vocals and guitar and Kenneth Ermter on lead vocals and drums as they play all the cool classics spanning the Eagles' Rock and Roll hall of fame career.
These cool concerts and tribute shows are just one of the several high notes that attendees will get to experience over the course of the three-day exhibition. The sights, sounds, and adrenaline rush of the midway will surely amaze the masses, while various vendors draw people in with interesting information, popular products, and tasty treats. Be sure to check out the exhibits at Mellor Hall, and take the time to speak with one of the 4H club members about their animals and what being a part of 4H means to them. There will even be a Young Farmers Day on Sept. 13, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Paterson said her favourite part of this annual tradition, which she calls the social event of the year, is the coming together of family and friends. Attendees will have some new things to look forward to this year such as the FMX freestyle motocross, a dairy goat show, sheep shearing demonstrations, sheep dog show, horse shoeing demonstrations, lots of livestock and many entries in the hall.
"We go out of our way to be sure to change the fair up to keep it interesting and fun for all," said Paterson. "We are also very excited to be able to offer Chinese food again after not having it here for the past five years."
The Cowichan Exhibition grounds will open for 9 a.m. and close at 9 p.m., on both Friday and Saturday while on Sunday the grounds will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be plenty of free parking available for attendees and once they get inside the world is their oyster. For more detailed information about the Cowichan Exhibition or to purchase midway tickets or wristbands visit cowex.ca.
"I hope all attendees get a chance to meet some new friends and leave with smiling happy faces," said Paterson. "I hope that everyone enjoys celebrating the diversity of this community, and leave having learned something new."
