It looks like Agassiz will get a glimpse of the Fall Fair after all.
Victoria Brookes, president of the fair board, recently announced two special events to bring a bit of festivity back to autumn after the COVID-19 pandemic caused the postponement of this year’s fair.
The Corn King/Queen competition is on along with the famous chicken and corn barbecue, topped off with a two-night drive-in theatre event. For the kids, there will be a colouring contest for two age groups.
The 2019 Corn King was Martin Dinn, and the 2020 royalty will be decided on September 19. The qualifications of the coveted title are all about Agassiz’s world-renowned corn. Contenders must have at least two acres of corn, which will be judged according to uniformity of the stand, weed control, dry matter content, maturity and fertilizer use.
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“It’s not based on the beauty of the farmer but the beauty of the corn,” Brookes said.
The winner will be announced at 10: 30 a.m. on September 19 on the fairgrounds stage. In lieu of the famous Fall Fair parade, Bunk Mackay is scheduled to drive the Corn King or Queen around the community in an antique truck, giving Agassiz the first look at the grand prize winner.
On the topic of contests, the colouring contest picture is also available through the Fall Fair’s website. Two age groups can compete: up to six years old and ages seven to 12. Kids interested in entering can print the picture, have it scanned in and submitted to the Fall Fair staff. Winners from this contest will move on to the provincial level for even bigger prizes.
Fresh Air Cinema has two feature presentations this coming Fall Fair weekend. Movie-goers can enjoy “Mamma Mia” on Friday, September 18 at dusk (gates open at 6:30 p.m.). On Saturday, “Frozen 2” will be playing on the four-storey screen at dusk with gates again opening at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are by donation, and all proceeds will go to the Agassiz Agricultural and Horticultural Association (AAHA).
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The always-anticipated chicken and corn barbecue takes place on Saturday, September 19 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The meal must be pre-ordered and pre-paid, which can be done through the Fall Fair’s website at agassizfallfair.com. Pie is also available courtesy of Cabin Fever Junction. The deadline for food orders is September 15. All proceeds will benefit the AAHA.
The AAHA was formed in 1899. In addition to organizing the annual Fall Fair and Corn Festival, the AAHA allows the free use of the Agricultural Hall for Girl Guides and Scouts meetings among other events throughout the year, including the Halloween Spooktacular, Community Family Christmas Party and annual Christmas train.
Brookes said the Fall Fair weekend is particularly emotional this year as so many will be missing out on reuniting with loved ones who have moved away.
“A lot of people return home for the Fall Fair weekend,” she said. “We have a high school reunion and sometimes family reunions. I’m going to miss seeing all those people; that’s the weekend I get to see them.”
With a few Fall Fair events in place for this year and the promise of 2021, Brookes looks forward to what’s ahead.
“Hopefully next year, we really get to enjoy all of that again,” she said.
Tickets and more are available online at agassizfallfair.com.
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