Photo: Contributed - kurtisstewart.com

There's a hint of fall in the air and the return to school is just around the corner and that can only mean one thing: it's time for the IPE.

The Interior Provincial Exhibition – also known as the Armstrong fair – kicks off Wednesday. It will be the 116th year for the popular event that features a midway, live entertainment, a rodeo, food vendors, arts, crafts and, of course, livestock of all size and description.

Born of an agricultural origin, the fair has evolved to become one of the largest gatherings in the B.C. Interior.

Bryan Burns, IPE general manager, said there will be more than 2,000 exhibitors this year.

“That equates to 7,100 entries,” said Burns, adding the exhibits include beef, dairy, goat, horse, poultry rabbits, hobbies, photography, fruit, vegetables, sewing and much more.

Every building on the fair grounds is put to use for the event that runs through Sunday.

Being around for more than a century, the IPE has remained true to its roots.

“Agriculture is still a huge part of the fair. That's something we really want to show case,” said Burns. “One of the highlights during the day is the mini chuckwagon racing. It is hilarious and exhilarating and fun. It happens every afternoon at around 4 p.m.”

The Iron Chef contest is back and the Wrangler Rodeo Tour takes place every night starting at 8 p.m., but there is separate entry fee for the rodeo.

“We have the West Coast Lumberjack show. On Saturday and Sunday, we also have rabbit agility. They long jump, high jump and run an obstacle course,” said Burns.

Crews are busy setting up the midway which is hailed as one of the largest in the province with 30 rides, plus numerous other activities.

Pierre Cloutier, who spent the last nine months crossing Canada in a horse-drawn chuckwagon will also be at the IPE.

Cloutier sold his possessions, spent two months building his two chuck wagons, and hit the road with his horses and his one and half year-old husky-lab cross named Eska.

Despite having never been to British Columbia, Cloutier decided it was here that his dreams lay.

“I had the same feeling that the old pioneers had, when they were leaving their country to find a new world,” he said. “On one side it’s kind of scary, but you have to trust life.”

After nine months on the road, travelling 20 to 30 kilometres per day, he has finally made it to the Okanagan.