What do cotton candy, antique farm equipment, blacksmith demonstrations and midway rides have in common?
Those things and more are at the Luxton Fairgrounds this weekend for the annual Luxton Spring Fair.
With all of the new development and families moving into the area around the fairgrounds, organizers hope to attract some new faces to the family-friendly event.
“There’s a lot of history here,” said longtime committee member Sandy West.
Some of that history will be on display for the public to see how people once lived and worked in the area.
But artifacts won’t be the only items exhibited. Besides antique farming equipment, the ever-popular steam engines will be rolled out. Plus, the Vancouver Island Blacksmith’s Association maintains a presence on the grounds all year and will demonstrate some of the work they do. “It’s quite an interesting thing to watch,” West added.
Across the grounds there’ll be face painting for the kids, a paintball tent and vendors selling everything from jewelry to tupperware. The Langford Legion will also run a concession to help ease some of those long-weekend cravings.
“It looks like it’s going to be a fun weekend,” West said. “What a thrill to have something like this in your backyard.”
Admission to the grounds is free and parking is by donation in the lot at the corner of Sooke and Luxton roads. Those donations go back to the non-profit Metchosin Farmer’s Institute to help with upkeep on the fairgrounds, which it owns.
West is one of the many Institute volunteers who work to maintain the grounds all year long. “Everyone is a volunteer here,” she said. Donations and other fundraisers help that team keep the fairgrounds open. “All of our buildings need painting and something always needs repair,” she said with a chuckle.
For this weekend’s event, the grounds open daily Saturday through Monday at noon with displays open until 6 p.m.
For those that can’t wait to get their carnival thrills, West Coast Amusement’s midway rides will be open Friday for a preview night from 3 until 10 p.m.
For the rest of the weekend the midway opens at 1 p.m. and runs until 10, except for Monday, when the final spin around will go shortly before 6.
West noted that rides may close earlier due to safety concerns such as weather, but that will be left up to the discretion of ride operators. “They’re a good group; we’ve been dealing with them for a number of years,” she said.
All and all, there will be activities for all members of the family – except the four-legged ones. Organizers ask that the public leave pets at home so everyone can enjoy the event.
Fore more information, go to luxtonspringfair.ca or phone 250-478-4250.
katie@goldstreamgazette.com