ATHABASCA – Rochester’s yearly fair is in the books, and the 46th rendition of the event didn’t disappoint. People lined the hamlet’s main drag for the parade before making their way up to the ag grounds for games, entertainment, and some sport in the late summer sun.
Each year the fair is organized by the Rochester Agricultural Society, and the volunteers put months of work into making sure the community has a variety of events to enjoy. Society president Jesse Borris said the end results are worth the hassle, especially when the weather cooperates.
“We were very pleased with the turnout — we had to set up extra tables for our dinner — and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. The weather was beautiful,” said Borris.
One of the 2025 fair’s big draws was the mutton busting, which returned after a hiatus due to a lack of sponsorship.
“The kids had so much fun with the mutton busting, we were really excited to have it back. That was probably the cutest thing I’ve ever seen in my life,” said Borris, whose own kids took part in the event.
The arena was a big draw throughout the day, with barrel racing and a heavy horse pull keeping a crowd in the stands for hours. For the third year in a row Stephanie and Brittany Markowski have organized the barrel racing, which is designed to give riders young and old a chance to experience the sport and try out some new things in a supportive environment.
“It’s for the kids and their family to come out and have fun,” said Stephanie.
“Seeing some new participation and some new participants come out and learn something while having some fun is the big thing.”
While the event hands out prizes, it’s a little different than other barrel racing contests. Each of the kids who participated earned themselves some new toys, ranging from sand buckets to bubble wands. The Markowski sisters said the prizes were the highlight of the day.
“Ultimately, we’re doing this for the kids,” said Brittany.
