If you’re not into cycling, or even if you are, why not race a zucchini?
For three decades now—minus a few years when it was cancelled due to the pandemic—the Brackendale Fall Fair has been attracting crowds to the Brackendale Farmers Institute Park for an annual extravaganza that routinely sees over 6,000 people stampeding through the grounds.
If you make it down on Saturday, Sept. 6—yes, the same day as the GranFondo cycling event—you can expect to hear live local music providing the soundscape to an event that includes a petting zoo, hay rides, mini-golf, vendors, educational booths and quixotic offerings like the ever-popular zucchini races.
The Squamish Chief connected with fair producer Glenne Campbell to learn more.
What follows is a version of that exchange edited for length and clarity.
Q: What is the legacy of the Brackendale Fall Fair?
A: First founded in 1915, the focus of the Squamish Farmers Institute (as it was called then) was to educate people in agriculture and to host yearly exhibits of local produce and products. Documents indicate the annual fall fair was held on Sept. 4, 1922. This association was instrumental in forming the Squamish Credit Union in 1944.
The land held by the Squamish Farmers Institute was sold off due to a lack of available farmers and volunteers being busy with the war effort of the Second World War. In 1957, members had the vision to set B.C. Crown land aside as parkland. In 1991, a resurrected Farmers Institute was renamed the Brackendale Farmers Institute.
The Brackendale Fall Fair has been held in two locations: the Old Brennan Farm on Brennan Road and the current Brackendale Farmers Institute Park on Government Road.
Over the years, the fall fair has provided support to numerous community groups in terms of financial support and showcasing them to the public at the fall fair.
Q: How is this year's event different? How is it the same?
A: This town relies on many community organizations to make the town work. The uniqueness of the fall fair is how many community organizations have booths where people can learn about what the organization does for our community, and how people can support either by volunteering their time or providing donations. All of the community groups strive to make the town healthier and a place where people can participate. "
We expect to see a lot of new faces at the fall fair this year. We have improved the entry gates with tall, vertical flags so attendees can enter at three different gates:
1. Pre-sold tickets,
2. Card (credit or debit)
3. Cash
People can get tickets online.
Q: "The people go through it together." Can you explain the significance of this phrase?
A: This phrase is from the recent memorandum of understanding signed by Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and the District of Squamish. It refers to actioning Truth and Reconciliation, as well as adapting to all the changes happening right here in this area.
Q: What is the general vibe you're going for?
A: Family is everything. Stay healthy, be a good neighbour and celebrate summer's bounty of food, friends and sharing.
Q: Which exhibits / events are you most excited for?
A: Who doesn't like the zucchini race, the biggest pumpkin contest, the paint spinner or seeing Sassy?
The fair is always a great day out for all families—activities, food, music, exhibits, farm animals (Dogs stay at home—the farm critters appreciate that.) Hay wagon rides and vendors galore.
Exhibit entries are on Friday, Sept. 5, from 4:25 to 6:30 p.m.
Fair day is Saturday, Sept. 6, from 10 to 5 p.m.
Find out more on the Brackendale Farmers Institute website.
