This year is the 100th anniversary of the Aldergrove Fair and the government of British Columbia marked the occasion with the presentation of a Century Farm Award.

On behalf of the Minister of Agriculture Don McRae, Fort Langley-Aldergrove MLA Rich Coleman commended fair organizers for the century of hard work and contributions the fair has made to British Columbia's long legacy of food production and agriculture.

The first Aldergrove Fair was held in 1912 and run by the Aldergrove Agricultural Association. It started as a way for farmers and home gardeners to display their crops and livestock and for homemakers to show off their baking, needlework and more.

The 2012 Aldergrove Fair Days was jointly organized by the Agricultural Association and the Aldergrove Festival Days Society. Events included agricultural fair and exhibits, a pancake breakfast with local berry syrups, tractor pulls and lawnmower races, a parade, and a Kids Zone with carnival rides and games. The fair also featured the Canadian Fast Draw Championship, billed as 'The Fastest Timed Sport in the World'.

Century Farm Awards honour agricultural organizations that have been active for a century or longer as well as pioneers whose farms and ranches have been in families for 100 years or more. Each Century Farm Award celebrates the rich heritage of farming and ranching families and organizations in B.C.

To view downloadable photos of the award presentation, please visit:

http://flic.kr/p/cD5NKu

Quotes:

Minister of Agriculture Don McRae -

"Congratulations to the Aldergrove Fair for their hundred year legacy of highlighting agriculture in B.C. A trip to the fair offers families a memorable way to spend the day and provides the opportunity to share the connection between local foods and people."

Fort Langley-Aldergrove MLA Rich Coleman -

"A visit to the Aldergrove Fair is a delightful way to experience the foods of the region and celebrate the hard working British Columbians who produce it. It offers an excellent venue to promote community pride and to celebrate the unique spirit of our region."

Glenda Reid, vice president, Aldergrove Agricultural Association -

"What an incredible honour it is to receive this award. On behalf of everyone who has been involved with the Aldergrove Agricultural Association over the last 100 years, I'd like to express our sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Agriculture for recognizing the contribution the Aldergrove Fair has made to B.C.'s agriculture industry and our community."

Quick Facts:

• To date, 96 family farms or organizations have received the Century Farm Award.

• The Century Farm award program was created in 1994 to mark the centennial of the Ministry of Agriculture.

Learn More:

For more information about B.C.'s Century Farm Program:

http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/regional/CenturyFarmAwards/CenturyFarms.htm

To find out more about Aldergrove Fair Days:

http://www.aldergrovefairdays.com/index.html

For a comprehensive list of B.C. fairs: www.bcfairs.ca

Contact:

Kathryn Hardy
Communications
Ministry of Agriculture
250 387-1693