The Interior Provincial Exhibition attended the BC Fairs convention in Abbotsford, BC held from October 22-25, 2014. In the category of Volunteer of the Year, our very own Past President, Shirley Fowler took away the honours. As a long time volunteer of the fair, she has been a Director, Vegetable Division Director, Executive, Vice-President and President. She now is the Past President. This award is provided to an individual whose contributions have made a positive impact on the success of the organization and demonstrated excellence in leadership.

“With years of dedicated service to the Fair industry and instrumental in the growth and development of the IPE, Shirley puts in countless hours and energy into ensuring the success of our fair, said Bryan Burns, IPE General Manager.

The 2nd IPE award was in the Agricultural Education Exhibits. “This category was to share how we provide education to the public about agriculture in an interesting, innovative manner from signage, a display or an interactive exhibit,” said Burns. Along with the numerous agricultural displays, demos and exhibits, this year we added demos from the Western Canada Farriers Association.

In the Member’s Choice Awards, the winner at the IPE in the BC Fairs Special Class in Photography Sewing and Hobbies division was well represented. Thank you to all our exhibitors (close to 2,000) who enter their talents, hobbies, animals each year. “These exhibitors are the foundation of agricultural fairs and we are so proud of their contributions”, said Jeanne Noble Harter, President of the IPE. Elizabeth Wikkering from the Deep Creek Dairy Club placed 3rd with a really neat 4-H Educational Board display on HAYING. “Amazing creative effort on the Ed board”, Noble Harter added.

“It is an awesome accomplishment to be recognized on a provincial level”, said Bryan Burns, General Manager of BC’s largest agricultural fair. “We really want to say thank you to the community for all their participation in making the IPE the excellent event that it is and continuing to support us.”

Agricultural Fairs in BC, draw more than 1.16 million spectators with an economic impact of approximately $50 million yearly.

The Interior Provincial Exhibition will be going into its 116th year which will be held from September 2nd to 6th, 2015. Go to www.armstrongipe.com for all the information.