Some people’s reaction when the topic of the Alberni District Fall Fair crops up in conversation think, but the fair isn’t for another 7 months why are we talking it up now! Well the actual event might be months away but planning for the 4 day event starts right after the previous year’s fair is wrapped up. Brain storming refreshing new ideas on how to improve the fair, how to attract more spectators is always for front in the thoughts of our volunteer organization. It takes well thought -out plans put into action to come up with unique new ideas that will draw the crowd to our annual event.

Looking back in history things didn’t look a lot different.

In the late thirties, the Farmer’s Institute hosted the first local Fall Fair. The Alberni Valley was then an active farming community and a venue was needed to exhibit all the fine agricultural products the valley was producing. The fair became a lively social event for hard working people that came together and celebrated the fruits of their year-long labour. In those days, many hours were devoted to domestic efforts, such as preserving canning and baking. Showcasing farm produce and livestock. It was a wonderful opportunity to share and socialize.

The Second World War interrupted the flow of the fair, but in early 1946 the Farmers Institute approached the Kinsmen Club of Port Alberni about hosting the event. So in April 1946 the Alberni District Fall Fair became an entity. The first Fall Fair was held in September of that year.

The Alberni District Fall Fair has come along way since then. Over the years, we’ve seen the number of buildings increase, gradual development of the grounds and amenities, and additions to displays and attractions. In 1964 Bingo Hauser of West Coast Amusements struck a deal with the fair and brought in a Tilt-A-Whirl and a Nickel Digger. Today Bingo can still be seen roaming the grounds. He is always trying to keep up with trends by bringing new amusement rides. West Coast Amusements remains a family owned business. The Hauser family is proud to say that the Alberni District Fall Fair was one of their first customers.

Other buildings were erected through-out the late seventies and early eighties by volunteers, with such buildings as the Kinsmen Community Center, Stephen’s Building, the Van Ipren Building, Kinette Food Booth and the 4-H Cattle Barn. In 1988 – 1989 the fair laid 5,000 square feet of sod to accommodate the Logger Sports Bowl. In 1992 to accommodate the BC Summer Games being hosted in our community, the new Horse Rings were built. In the mid 90’s the Tractor Pulls became an added attraction to the fair.

In 2003 the Alberni District Fall Fair board felt we needed recognize the support from the business community so we began our “Partnership Program”. Many businesses and individuals have supported the fair for years either in kind or nominal donations, so we wanted to recognize them. To this day we have had a huge response to our Partnership Program as it grows into its 6th year.

Today the Alberni District Fall Fair has an eleven member Board of Directors made up of Kinsmen Club members and volunteers at large as well as one staff to oversee administrative needs. The Fair is fortunate to have many volunteers of all ages that give endless amounts of their time to help out with all aspects of putting on an event of this magnitude. Assistance also comes by way of outside organizations using the fair as a fundraising initiative annually. Groups help out with such things as pre-fair set-up, grounds maintenance, security, parking and gate staff. All revenue that is generated through the Alberni District Fall Fair is re-invested into upkeep of the grounds and to build an exciting event.

Every year brings new and interesting challenges. This year marks the 64th annual fair. We are planning some changes. One change is to have the competitor’s prize list distributed in early spring and in keeping with our agricultural roots challenge the community with several contests. We want to encourage everyone that they may have a hidden talent they should be sharing and therefore consider entering an exhibit such as needlework, hobbies, flowers, fruits, vegetables, photography, amateur art or home cooking so it can be showcased. Random exhibitors may have an opportunity to win great prizes.

The Fall Fair holds the memories that count, and a legacy of hard working people committed to the community. Over the years, the fair has seen the growth in events, attractions, displays and entertainment, but agriculture has always been our main focus. We have gone from mud puddles to pavement!!

With the continued support from the community we will be around for many years to come.