The Saanich Fair is officially back in action for its 155th year at the Saanich Fairgrounds, and if the turn-out on opening day is anything to go by, it’s set to be another success.
The sun was out and the fairgrounds were packed Saturday (Sept. 2) with long lines forming at nearly every midway ride, food vendor, and entrance.
But with so much on offer, it was also easy to find demonstrations and displays to take in elsewhere on the site.
“It’s incredibly busy, everybody looks like they are having a good time,” said Catriona McHattie, president of the North and South Saanich Agricultural Society and lead organizer for the fair in between kids’ egg-and-spoon races.
“The little kids are just overwhelmed with fun. Everybody is winning ribbons, and it’s just a great turn-out so far. It’s super busy today”
As in previous years, one end of the fairgrounds features a large midway area with nearly every ride and game imaginable, while the other focuses on classic farm fair staples like animal competitions, shows, and antique farm equipment demonstrations.
In the middle, plenty of tasty food options, vendors, and a farmers market.
The fair continues Sunday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Monday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. More information on what visitors can expect is available at saanichfair.ca.
A midway ride whizzes by Saturday (Sept. 2) on the opening day of the 2023 Saanich Fair in Central Saanich. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff) Kids set off in an egg-and-spoon race Saturday (Sept. 2) on the opening day of the 2023 Saanich Fair in Central Saanich. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff) Calves relax in their pen Saturday (Sept. 2) on the opening day of the 2023 Saanich Fair in Central Saanich. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff) Art and crafts are one of the many indoor displays at the 2023 Saanich Fair in Central Saanich. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff) Olivia Quin and her cow Phoebe get ready for judging Saturday (Sept. 2) on the opening day of the 2023 Saanich Fair in Central Saanich. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff) A young visitor checks out the giant produce display Saturday (Sept. 2) on the opening day of the 2023 Saanich Fair in Central Saanich. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff) Mark, Blaiklee, Deklan, and Melissa Ringland try their hand at a game of ring toss Saturday (Sept. 2) on the opening day of the 2023 Saanich Fair in Central Saanich. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff) An equestrian vaulter performs Saturday (Sept. 2) on the opening day of the 2023 Saanich Fair in Central Saanich. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff) A fair visitor competes in a midway game Saturday (Sept. 2) on the opening day of the 2023 Saanich Fair in Central Saanich. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff)
I moved coast-to-coast to discover and share the stories of the West Shore, joining Black Press in 2021 after four years as a reporter in New Brunswick.
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