WESTLOCK – The 108th Annual Westlock & District Ag Fair returns this year Aug. 16 to 18 packed full of events and activities for all ages.
Organizers are hoping for a large turnout, and the weather cooperates.
“I just hope everybody comes and we’re hopeful the rain stays away this year,” said Carl Larson, president of the Westlock & District Agricultural Society.
The weekend kicks off with a parade in downtown Westlock Friday morning. Throughout the weekend there’s a rodeo, an outdoor trade show, beef cattle show, horseshoe tournament, chuck wagon and chariot races, a tractor pull, draft horse pull, light horse show, and a demolition derby.
For the kids, there’s a petting zoo, bouncy houses, children’s pie obstacle races, a kids disco, and face painting.
There will be plenty of food, including a pancake breakfast, a concession, a pie-eating contest, and a pie-baking auction. There’s also a cabaret and beer garden.
The fair contributes significantly to the local economy.
“We believe it helps,” said Larson, adding, “especially with the different clubs helping with different events. It helps them and it helps us.”
Likewise, Graeme Harrington, president of the Westlock & District Chamber of Commerce agreed.
“The fair is hugely important to the greater Westlock community,” he said. “It is a great weekend and fellowship that showcases many of the great things the area has to offer.
“As for revenue generated from the weekend, I couldn’t even hazard a guess at a number,” added Harrington. “But I would say generally that it would be substantial. Folks will be flocking to town that weekend and there will surely be an uptick in activity from local residents as well.”
