The Brackendale Farmer's Institute celebrated its 90th year Saturday (Sept. 10) with its biggest Fall Fair yet.
More than 2,400 people perused the fair grounds near Brackendale Elementary School. Crowds watched entertainers perform upbeat folk and country music during the Fall Fair Hootenanny, hosted by Cam Salay, while kids clamoured to take each other on in zucchini races.
"It's amazing how popular that is," said Fall Fair organizer Thor Froslev. "All these kids are into computers and everything, but the zucchini race - they love it!"
Two causeways were lined with 50 vendors who had a profitable day selling homemade crafts and edibles, and the more popular items such as pies and honey selling out completely.
The Squamish Emergency Program earned every penny they raised and still had a hard time keeping up with the demand during their fundraising barbecue.
More than 1,000 riders hopped onto the hayride wagon while Don McDougall, Bill Jackson and Derek Smith traded off driving the classic John Deere tractor. And the petting zoo, organized by John Hunter, was a big hit with chickens, goats and piglets drawing steady crowds of young and old throughout the day. Ran't and Rav'n Farriers were also a popular attraction with their presentation of the ancient craft of horseshoeing.
Entries poured in for judgment on garden produce, home baking, preserves, domesticated animals, woodworking, hobbies and crafts, to name just a few of the 250 categories. spaillard@squamishchief.com
