Patrons ride the Cliff Hanger at the 121st IPE in Armstrong. (Liam Verster/Vernon Matters)

By Liam Verster

1,500 visitors in first few hours

People turning out in droves for return of IPE

Aug 31, 2022 | 4:53 PM

People swarmed the Armstrong Fairgrounds Wednesday for the return of the Interior Provincial Exhibition (IPE).

The event has been on a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The gates opened for the 121st IPE at 7:30 a.m., and by 1:45 p.m., more than 1,500 patrons had passed through the gates.

The fair features over 20 fair rides and a dozen games, nearly 100 vendors selling wares from clothing to soaps to jewelery, and over 20 food trucks and vendors.

Hundreds of people came through the gates in the first half of the day Wednesday for the return of the IPE in Armstrong. (Liam Verster/Vernon Matters)

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The Armstrong Fairgrounds housed about 20 fair rides and a dozen fair games for the 121st IPE. (Liam Verster/Vernon Matters)

(Liam Verster/Vernon Matters)

Patrons browsing wares from local artisans at the IPE in Armstrong. (Liam Verster/Vernon Matters)

People enjoying live music with their lunch at the 121st IPE. (Liam Verster/Vernon Matters)

Vernon Matters spoke with several patrons at the fair, many of whom said it was a good turnout for the first day.

“We’re just talking how, locally, it is nice for people to have this to look forward to, seeing some of the businesses that are around and it’s fun for the kids,” said Wes, adding he had brought the kids out and they were having a great time on the rides.

“It’s busy today (Wednesday) so it’s good because it will mean it will be even busier on the weekend,” said Jessica.

“It’s going to be great. Everybody’s going to get a lot of money and everyone’s going to be happy as it brings a lot of tourism in,” said Tiffany.

“I suspect they’re going to have a banger year. I think people are quite excited. This is why we came Wednesday, because I suspect the weekend will be pretty busy,” said Susan, adding: “it’s fun, it’s nice to be back.”

Several people who spoke with Vernon Matters said they came out specifically for the fair rides.

The Vertigo ride at the IPE had people swinging around 80 feet above the ground. (Liam Verster/Vernon Matters)

Riders on the Fireball complete a full circle after rolling back and forth several times. (Liam Verster/Vernon Matters)

The Starship 3000 spins around and pushes the riders up against the walls using centrifugal force, while the Super Shot climbs up slowly then quickly drops the riders approximately 65 feet. (Liam Verster/Vernon Matters)

“So far the Rockstar Ride was my favorite,” said Karen, adding: “I like how there’s a great assortment of rides like really scary and really do-able too.”

“[My favorite] so far is probably the Zipper, it’s a great ride,” said Kallem.

Many others were there to take advantage of the food trucks or the local vendors selling their goods, while some were taking their kids out for the family-fun events like visiting the animals in the petting zoo, listening to some live music, or catching a lumberjack show.

Families visiting the barn to learn more about goats. (Liam Verster/Vernon Matters)

Though the fair received a lot of support from the public, there were some who felt it was lacking from past years.

“There’s hardly any horses there, but that’s to be expected after everything being shut down and nobody knew for sure if the fair would be on this year or not,” Tammi told Vernon Matters.

“There’s a lot of things missing. There’s no chickens in the Poultry Barn and there’s some rides that aren’t here, and I think there’s not as many vendors even,” said Aynsley.

Despite the few complaints, everyone who spoke with Vernon Matters also stated that it was great to see the IPE return and we’re happy to get out and enjoy the event.

The IPE runs through Sunday at the Armstrong Fairgrounds at 3371 Pleasant Valley Rd.

A full schedule of events can be found here.