October 24, 2006

North Thompson Fall Fair Receives Award of Excellence, Krueger Announces

KAMLOOPS – The North Thompson has proven it is a driving force in the province’s agriculture industry, said Kamloops North-Thompson MLA Kevin Krueger.

"As the MLA representing the North Thompson, I am proud to announce the North Thompson Fall Fair and Rodeo placed third in the Division 2 finals," said Krueger. "Our community has shown that it is on top of the educational and economical value of agriculture in our province."

Each participating fair and exhibition was required to create an attractive display of healthy, safe agri-food products grown or produced in B.C. As part of the criteria for evaluation, displays were to include the nutritional value of products as well as educational material and economic value to the community. Other display requirements included a link from farm to table and the use of effective and quality display materials and products.

Awards were given in three divisions based on attendance the previous year. Division 1 includes small fairs with attendance less than 3,000; those with attendance between 3,000 and 20,000 compete in Division 2; and Division 3 consists of large fairs and exhibitions with attendance over 20,000.

First place winners for each division receive a $10,000, second place $6,000 and third place collects $3,000.

The Awards of Excellence Program was created by BCAAFE using funding from the provincial government. In addition to annual base funding of $150,000, the provincial government provided $225,000 to BCAAFE this year to help it develop an enhanced recognition program and fair expansion strategy.