I Went To The Animal Fair

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I Went To The Animal Fair

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I Went To The Animal Fair

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Nanaimo, Vancouver Island, Canada

This weekend Nanaimo hosted its traditional Vancouver Island Exhibition.  It is one of the few country fairs surviving on Vancouver Island with deep roots in the community.  The Province of British Columbia is recognizing 150 years of settlement by Europeans this year and the news for farmers is not good.  Since farming started in the province, there has been a steady decline in the number of farms.  Urban sprawl on Vancouver Island has eaten up thousands of acres of agricultural land. 

Traditional exhibits of home arts and prize winning produce were still in evidence, but it seemed that the old competitive spirit over who had the best spuds and most perfect piccalili had faded.  New, multicultural displays offered fresh new exhibits to the public.

Without dwelling further on past glories, there was something for everyone at the fair -- teenagers loving the midway rides, houseproud checking out the latest gadgets, and old farm girls like me checking out the animal barns.  And what country fair would be complete these days without an Elvis impersonator?

If you have a fall fair near where you live, take the opportunity to go.  You might have the opportunity to talk with people who grow your food.