Ex-cellent times ahead!
The Cowichan Exhibition takes flight under the theme 'Winged Wonders' from Sept. 12 to 14, as it celebrates its 157th year with a weekend for the whole family of new events and classic fair favourites.
"Celebrating its 157th year, the Cowichan Exhibition stands as a powerful symbol of heritage, resilience, and community pride," said executive director Shari Paterson. "It’s not just an event, it's a tradition that connects generations, agricultural roots, and reflects the identity of the Cowichan Valley. It speaks to the dedication of many volunteers, farmers, artisans, and families who’ve kept the exhibition alive through the decades. For the community, it is a tribute to the Valley’s farming history, showcasing livestock, crops, and the hard work of local producers. The Exhibition honours the past and highlights modern day farming practices. The Exhibition is part of the region’s cultural fabric. For many, attending or participating in it is a tradition passed down through families. In essence, the Cowichan Exhibition isn’t just surviving at 157 years — it’s thriving because it continues to resonate deeply with the values, spirit, and pride of the valley."
Aside from the classic carnival rides, games, and zucchini races, there will be other fare. Fans can expect hall displays showcasing community creativity, West Coast Thunder Drill Team and other livestock shows, and can also get revved up with the excitement of the Global FMX Freestyle Motocross. Another fan favourite sure to delight is Young Farmer's Day on Sept. 12, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., a day open to all students.
"It's an opportunity for school age children to experience lots of fun, educational displays and demonstrations like Poultry in Motion, BC Dairy, Honey Bee Truck, Antiques tractors, livestock shows, all the wonderful exhibits in the hall and of course it is always fun to check out the livestock displays," said Paterson.
Some new fair fun this year includes log rolling at the Logger Sports on Saturday, a logger sports demonstration on Sunday, as well as Pico’s Puppet Palace, and the Romper Room Climbing wall.
Also new this year, and keeping with this year's theme is The Chicken Wing Challenge sponsored by Craig Street Brew Pub which will take place on Sept. 14 at 1 p.m. The pub's chef will cook the wings, which will then be judged by celebrity chef Fatima Da Silva. This new event is calling all home chefs to enter their best homemade sauce. Are you up for the challenge?
"The new chicken wing sauce challenge is such a fun and flavourful addition to this year’s fair," said Paterson. "It was inspired by our theme Winged Wonders. and is a way to blend culinary expertise and fun food."
The winner will not only win $100 but will have bragging rights as their saucy wings will be featured at Craig Street Brew Pub.
If that is not already music to your ears, the fair's main stage has a great lineup of entertainment. Maxwell Smart and The Tragically Hip tribute band Nautical Disaster will bring the good vibes on Friday, and on Saturday, the Renovation Blues Band, Rock Steady, and CCR tribute band Completely Creedence will continue to rock the crowd with more great music. If you prefer to watch dancing rather than groove yourself, one will also be able to catch local dance groups from Carlson’s School of Dance, Kathy White Dancers, and the Celtic Rhythm Dancers as they bring their talents to the same stage
All hands on Ex. Volunteers are the backbone of the exhibition, and are still looking for ticket takers and hall monitors. If you are able to help out contact the office at 250-748-0822 or email [email protected]. For more details visit www.cowex.ca .
"My hope for newcomers is that they leave feeling more connected to the community, and get to experience things that they may not have had the opportunity to be part of in the past," said Paterson. "The fair is such a fun place to be and we are very proud of our roots and the culture. Our goal is to create lasting memories that can be shared with families and friends for generations. Whether it’s someone’s first time, or their 50th, the Cowichan Exhibition is about celebrating where we come from, and who we are — together. I hope everyone walks away with a little more joy, a little more pride, and maybe a bit of hay in their shoes."
