Heritage Fair coming back

Photo: Contributed

The Vernon Heritage Fair is making a comeback.

From 2008-12, the fair was organized by the Vernon museum, but the museum had to drop the fair from its busy agenda.

For the next two years the fair was run independently by local schools, but now the North Okanagan Optimist Club has taken over and have plans to bring it back to its former glory.

Optimist Club vice president Donald Jefcoat said the motto of the club is “Bring out the best in kids.”

“One of the great things about projects like the Heritage Fair is it goes beyond just a show and tell,” said Jefcoat. “It truly does bring out their best. A prime example is Cole Strilchuk. He did the project 'Michael Schratter. One Peddle at a time.' That project earned Cole a Young Citizens award. Cole did exceptionally well and made it into the top 30 of entries for 2012.”

Pat Simmons, who was the organizer of the fair for many years with the museum, will continue helping with the fair.

“When our fair committee sat down for the first time, we were excited to see her at the table. It's a given we need this valuable resource leading and guiding us. When asked if she would mentor our steps, she was more then happy to accept. I hope she will be on board for many years,” said Jefcoat.

School fair winners will advance to the Vernon fair. Selected entrants then will go on to regionals in Kelowna with the regional winners advancing to the provincials.

The club will also be holding a stamp contest, open to youth in grades 4-7. Youth are asked to design a stamp around the theme of Canadian heritage. The winner will have their stamp placed on the T-shirts fair participants receive, along with $50 from the Optimist Club. Honorable mention winners will receive a set of cards with their stamp on it. The contest runs from Oct. 14 to Nov. 10.

Anyone who is home schooled, or if their school was missed can contact organizers at [email protected].