Fifty-six years have come and gone since the North Thompson Fall Fair and Rodeo (NTFFR) came
into being. From a small gathering of local friends and ranchers this event has steadily grown into a successful
annual fair that attracts visitors and competitors from all over Western Canada.
“I enjoyed this years fair more than any other I’ve ever attended,” said NTFFR president Donna Kibble,
“There was no stress, everything ran smoothly and everyone had a great time.”
Kibble says visitors to this years event, held on the Labour Day weekend, offered many favourable comments about the event.
“People most often commented on how clean the grounds and facilities were and how nice it was to see the whole town involved in
the theme of black and white cows,” she said.
Telephone poles wrapped in black and white “cow spots” on Barriere Town Road, painted plywood cows and cowboys
that adorned numerous areas in the downtown core, and window and business decorations that reflected the theme of the event had
visitors to the fair well into the “fair mood” even before they reached the grounds.
The BCRA rodeo performance and cowboy prayer was dedicated each day at the fair to long-time fair member and volunteer Art Green who recently lost
his fight with cancer.
Green was well-thought of by fair members and area residents and was remembered on numerous occasions throughout the weekend.
Pony chuckwagon and chariot races once again thrilled the crowds at the rodeo as did the heavy horse competitions.
Competitions for 4H youngsters were well-filled and the beef sections were especially large.
The exhibit hall was filled to capacity, becoming a kaleidoscope of colour, scents and sounds, supplying hours of entertainment for those interested in valley agriculture, products, and crafts.
The midway entertained youngsters and oldsters and the food concessions offered up everything from
chicken and ribs to vegetarian dishes.
“It was wonderful,” commented Kibble, “I am so proud of everyone who helped. I can’t say thank you enough.”
