The volunteers are busy making the final preparations as the Sooke Fall Fair is getting ready to celebrate its 100th anniversary this weekend.

To recognize this milestone, the B.C. government is presenting the fair with a Century Farm Award for the contributions it has made to B.C.'s agriculture history.

The story began in September 1913 when a group of local farmers got together and helped organize a number of horticultural and livestock classes for competition. Mr. Miller Higgs and his committee celebrated the opening of what they hoped would be the first of many agricultural shows for the Sooke community.

Throughout the years, the Sooke Fall Fair has remained a community fair that gives people an opportunity to join together in the spirit of the rural fair philosophy that is a reflection of Sooke's strong community spirit. As part of the centennial this year, the fair will be selling a cookbook that includes historical photographs from past fairs, along with a collection of favourite recipes.

Century Farm Awards honour agricultural organizations that have been active for 100 years. The award program was created in 1994 to mark the centennial of the Ministry of Agriculture.

Quotes:

Agriculture Minister Pat Pimm -

"Fairs bring together young and old, and also provide us with a great reminder of the importance agriculture in our communities. I want to congratulate the Sooke Fall Fair on their Century Farm Award and wish them all the best as they celebrate their centennial."

Ida McDonald, president, Sooke Fall Fair -

"It's all about community involvement, whether it be sponsorships from local businesses, entrants from Jordan River, or the dedicated group of volunteers, the entire Sooke region must take credit for the success of Sooke Fall Fair's first 100 Years."

Learn More:

For more information about B.C.'s Century Farm Program: http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/regional/CenturyFarmAwards/CenturyFarms.htm

Sooke Fall Fair: http://www.sookefallfair.ca/

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

Media Contact:

Dave Townsend
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Agriculture
250 356-7098
250 889-5945 (cell)