IPE seeking community support for hard hit non-profits

Aug 13, 2020 | 9:25 AM

There won’t be an Interior Provincial Exhibition this fall, which is not only a blow for fair lovers, but also for the many service groups that depend on the Armstrong fair for funding.

“As the dates of our IPE become closer and closer, we are so disappointed we will not be hosting you at the fair this year,” general manager Yvonne Paulson said. “It has been a tough year for our non-profit association. We are like the many of hundreds of fairs in Canada and other events that cannot have their fair/agricultural events because of COVID-19.”

Paulson said as a non-profit, they host the fair and do not see much of a profit, and every dollar they make goes back into the fair.

“We do not have buckets of money. We exist because the wonderful community we live in, the sponsors/partners and service clubs,” she said.

Paulson says local service clubs are hurting with no fair.

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“We were one of, if not their, largest fund-raising event. I ask you all to support your local service clubs and non-profit organizations in a different way this year. We are all in financial need and hoping to see an end to COVID-19 and being able to showcase agriculture to you all soon,” she said.

In the meantime, the IPE is presenting the 4H B.C. auction at the O’Keefe Ranch on Saturday, August 29 at 10 a.m. with Don Raffan as the auctioneer.

“This will be a virtual auction with the 4H child and their swine/sheep on screen. You can attend in person to bid on one of these fine animals the kids have worked so hard to take to market. There will be 14 animals up for auction so come early and get your number to buy some fine animals and support 4H B.C.,” Paulson said.

The organization is featuring 42 of its past presidents on Facebook and Instagram.

“Great history and you can certainly see how our roots run deep. Check it out each Thursday with a new past president featured,” Paulson added.

The fair continues to have contests via social media with a 50/50 progressive draw each week. Tickets are $2 per week in a partnership with Canadian Association of Fairs and Exhibitions and LottoFactory. Click here for details.

The IPE has also partnered with B.C. Fairs and Buy B.C. to participate with 14 other fairs in British Columbia on a kids colouring contest. Click here for info.

“Kids get out your crayons and start colouring. There are prizes to be won from your local fair for first, second, and third place in each age category, and the first-place winners will be entered into a province-wide competition for a chance to win even more,” a news release said.

Next year’s fair will run Wednesday, September 1, to Sunday, September 5, 2021.

“When we do return to the ‘new normal’ we want you to be confident we have your health and safety in the fore front. When we can open our doors again, we cannot wait to show you what changes we are making to the fair layout and experience we have for you,” Paulson said.

by Pete McIntyre

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