“Gumboots and Grassroots” is the theme for the 148th Cowichan Exhibition at the fairgrounds north of Duncan on Sept. 9, 10 and 11.
Grounds are open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m on Sunday. However, the West Coast Amusements midway, which is located at the front of the big site, is available later, starting with a Thursday night pre-fair opening from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. The rides and fun down there will be open Friday from 3 to 11 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 7 p.m.
Three-day fair passes are available for $23, with single day passes costing $10 for adults, $9 for seniors and $6 for children. Little kids, six and under, get in free with an adult.
There’s a special $2 admission for the midway on Thursday and that day, wristbands are $30 each with two non-perishable food donations. Friday and Saturday, all-day midway wristbands are $40 each while on Sunday, special prices mean kids’ rides are $2 each and other rides are $4 apiece.
Dogs are not permitted on the site so leave Fido at home.
The long list of family-friendly events include zucchini races Saturday at 2 p.m., logger sports Friday and Saturday, a gardening hat contest, Yukon Dan demonstrating gold panning, a scarecrow contest, pro wrestling on Saturday, a pet show Sunday at 1 p.m., the vintage tractor parade and tractor pull, the sheep dog demos Friday and Saturday, a dog agility show on Saturday, the hand milking contest Friday at 11 a.m., the yearling heifer show, the light and draft horse shows, the 4-H barbecue Saturday at 5 p.m., the duct tape challenge, the kids corral, the quilt and photography shows, and, of course, the animals.
There’s also a Digital 360 booth where you can learn about 3D printing and how to get a 3D version of yourself.
Then there are the indoor exhibits where Valley folks compete for ribbons and prizes in categories from best bale of hay to top tomato, with some especially fierce contests in the flower and home baking divisions.
From honey to hobbies, it’s all there. Check out what your neighbours have been up to all year.
For folks that have mobility problems, look for the Cow Ex-press: golf carts to help you move from various points around the big site.
There is also a shuttle bus service to help ease parking at the fairgrounds and offer the car-less an easy way to get to the fair for a donation of $2. Check out their Facebook page.