We hate to say it, but summer is almost over. On the plus side, that means the Westlock and District Agricultural Fair is finally here.
While there’s a certain sense of sadness that once the fair is over, it’s back to the regular grind for the adults and back to the classroom for kids, but before all that, the fair is one last chance to celebrate the warm weather of summer while we still have it.
It sure is a short summer. It seems like just a few weeks ago we were celebrating the town’s centenary and kicking off summer and now fair weekend is here to close down the season.
All that aside, there’s plenty to be excited about.
The fair line-up has stayed much the same, and that means there’s the rodeo, the midway rides, the beef show, tractor and horse pulls, NCABL semi-finals and of course the chuckwagon races.
If none of those events get you excited there’s the parade, mini-chucks, and the horseshoe tournament.
The Stewart family from Strathmore will also return to perform Hearts of the West, a trick riding show, during the intermission of the rodeo on Saturday and Sunday.
They’ve proven themselves more than tough enough to satisfy Westlock’s adrenaline fix, riding high in the saddle.
Fair weekend wouldn’t be complete without the demolition derby, which always packs the stands and sends thousands of fairgoers to the gates happy.
But while it’s easy to get carried away with the performances that will fill fair weekend, it’s important not to forget what really makes the Westlock and District Agricultural fair possible: hard work from the many volunteers who donate their time freely.
The fair is a chance to celebrate our historical roots and, most importantly, the people behind those traditions. In agricultural communities, that always starts with time given freely for the enjoyment of all.
Sacrifice, hard work, dirt and mud will be abound this weekend, but most importantly of all, remember to enjoy the company of one another.
We hope you enjoy the fair and hope to see you there!
