The Saanich Fair is back this Labour Day long weekend, and organizers are promising fairgoers three days packed with “a little bit of everything,” including live performances by Aaron Pritchett and Prism.
The fair, now in its 155th year, returns to the Saanich Fairgrounds from Saturday, Sept. 2 until Monday, Sept. 4, operating from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday.
Upwards of 45,000 people are expected to attend and join in on the family-friendly fun, according to fair chair Jenna Saunders in an interview with CHEK News.
This year’s theme is “Jammin’ in the Fair,” and the feature is preserved foods.
“Definitely a community tradition, absolutely,” exclaimed Saunders, adding midway rides, including children’s and thrill rides, from West Coast Amusements will envelop the fairgrounds at 1528 Stellys Cross Rd.
Canadian country singer Aaron Pritchett will take the fairgrounds stage to perform live at 8 p.m. Saturday, before Canadian rock band Prism performs at the same time Sunday.
There will also be displays and special attractions like a pro-chainsaw carver, horses and farm animals, says Saunders. There’s also a farmer’s market, which makes sense considering the event in Saanichton is dubbed the largest agricultural fair in B.C.
“Of course, we all know that nothing ‘pickles your fancy’ like the Saanich Fair so we hope you’ll come and savour the flavours!” say organizers online.
Speaking with CHEK News during last year’s fair, Saanich Fair president Catriona McHattie said she had never missed a fair in her life.
“I’m not gonna tell you how old I am, but for quite a few decades I have been here every weekend,” she said in September 2022. “It’s the heart of the community.”
Tickets cost $15 for adults 14 years and older, and $10 for seniors and youth 7-13 years. Children under six get in for free with no ticket required. Passes can be purchased online here, and the 2023 Saanich Fair program guide is here.
Ethan Morneau
