News Leader News
FAIR MEMBERS GO INTO HIGH GEAR
Members of Princeton District Agricultural Fall Fair spent July 24 in a work party to redecorate and renovate building #1 in readiness for the Fall Fair to be held September 10 & 11. Two days later, everybody met for the regular planning session which marks the summer Fall Fair meetings. This year, President Jody Woodford reminded members to stick to budget as there is no extra money to spend.
Belly Dancers
Patty Harrower is lining up performers for entertainment on the main stage. She will welcome the Community Band, Kristy McIvor, Princeton Highland Dancers and the Cawston Belly Dancers who performed at Similkameen Sizzle.A band will be hired for the refreshment area and will play from 6 - 11:00 p.m. Saturday. Andrew Nordquist will be the DJ between sets and during the day.
Games, fun
There will be games for the children and youth who attend the fair. An entertainment package includes inflatable games, and there will be a climbing wall once again.Demolition Derby
Gerri Swanson will organize the demolition derbies at the fair. There will be one Saturday and the finals on Sunday, both at 4:30 p.m. Those wishing to enter a vehicles should contact Ms. Swanson as soon as possible at 295-3535 or 295-3863. She has the rules and the entry forms.Help wanted
Volunteers are needed to help with the fair. Anyone who can spare some time to man the gate for a couple of hours or help out in the concession or refreshment area, or sell meal tickets, should contact Maryanne Woodford at 295-7639 anytime. Leave your name, phone number and what you would like to do to help. Volunteers pay no admission to the fair.Registration
This year, Junior Fair exhibitors can register from 5 to 8 p.m. on the Thursday before the fair, and from 3 to 5 p.m. the Friday before the fair.Adults may register non-perishable items from 2 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, September 8, and from noon to 5 p.m. on Friday, September 9. NO exhibits will be accepted after 5 p.m. the day before the fair.
Exhibitors MUST complete their own forms before presenting their exhibits to registrars. Registrations will take place in building #1. There is no change in entry fees.
Auction
Many exhibitors donate fruit, flowers, vegetables or other items for the Fall Fair auction. It will be held at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, September 11, after the exhibits buildings close. The buildings close at 3:00 p.m. to give exhibitors time to remove their exhibits.NEW HIGHWAY SIGN IDENTIFIES SIMILKAMEEN
For years residents of the Similkameen Valley have been concerned that our valley is virtually unknown. This week, one step in increasing recognition of our valley was made. Three signs were erected at entrances to the valley. One is just south of the old mine site, another just below Yellow Lake, and another near the top of Richter Pass.
The signs were paid for by the Ministry of Transportation in a deal that resulted from the removal of "Similkameen" from a highway sign near Peachland. The Similkameen Valley Planning Society negotiated with the Ministry and got funding for the signs. They were designed by EDO Michael McLaughlin and a local graphics firm. The signs were built in Keremeos by
Signz.ca. SVPS Chair, Walter Despot, selected the locations. Argo Road Maintenance Inc. erected the signs.
Mr. McLaughlin says that "the signs were designed to look clean and fresh. That is the image we hear people saying they want us to create for the valley. The signs are uncluttered and show Similkameen in large letters and the river underneath. We want people to know they are in the Similkameen Valley and what a beautiful place it is. We were very careful about the locations. We wanted the signs to be located at spectacular viewpoints. When people see the word Similkameen we want them to associate it with a breath-taking view."
The signs are part of strategy to increase awareness of the Similkameen Valley. In September a valley-wide tourism advisory committee will begin meeting and mapping out ways to promote the valley.
SVPS Directors are aware that valley residents have varying opinions about tourism development and so input from residents will be gathered and listened to.
