North Thompson Fall Fair & Rodeo

Farm + Fair = Family Fun!

  • Home
  • About Us
    • Agriplex
  • Contact Us
    • Map
  • News
  • Services
    • Facility Rental
  • Fall Fair & Rodeo
    • 2018 Entry Forms
    • 2018 Schedule of Events
    • 2018 Fall Fair & Rodeo Catalogue
    • Camping at the Fall Fair
    • Convenors
    • Directors
    • Life Members
    • Message from the President
  • Hall & Grounds
    • North Thompson Agriplex
  • Vendor Info
  • Advertising & Sponsorship
    • Sponsors
  • NTFFR Ambassador Program
  • History and Archives
  • BCRA Rodeo
  • Agriplex
  • Videos
  • Shop
    • Shop
    • Cart
    • Checkout
    • My Account
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy Policy
You are here: Home / News / History and Archives

History and Archives

1950 – 2014 NORTH THOMPSON FALL FAIR AND RODEO CELEBRATES 65 YEARS THEN AND NOW – LOOK HOW FAR WE’VE COME! THEN: Back in 1950, what had been a dream for local farm and ranch families became a reality. The Native Sons of Canada lent their Louis Creek grounds and hall for the first fall fair which was held on Labour Day. The fall fair entry catalogue had just 12 pages, and promised: “To make your Labour Day a real holiday, a full round of entertainment during the day and evening is assured”. An estimated 500 people attended that first fair. Len Johnson, the first fair manager, made the following statement 63 years ago, “For a fair to be a success, it must first be centered in a farming district, and secondly, it must have the support of the people of the community.” Len’s words have rung true. Fueled by outstanding volunteerism since its inception, the North Thompson Fall Fair and Rodeo (NTFFR) has steadily evolved and expanded. The location has changed, and so have many of the faces, although many remain, and familiar family names continue to support the NTFFR. After 65 years the focus is the same as it was back in 1950: “A celebration of agriculture, livestock, western country living and community spirit”. TODAY the North Thompson Fall Fair and Rodeo is in its 63rd year, and is one of the leading regional events within the Thompson Nicola Regional District.

The mission statement of the organization is: To encourage, develop and promote the advancement of agriculture and farm living in the North Thompson Valley, with special reference to the fostering of livestock, crops, orchard crops, poultry husbandries, industrial, commercial, educational, mechanical and household arts, and rural and urban young peoples organizations, 4H competitions, livestock competitions, fine arts, sewing and baking, gardening, bee keeping, and volunteerism at its finest.

The NTFFRA functions with a volunteer Board of Directors along with an additional 75-100 dedicated community volunteers. Facility enhancements and upgrades are in almost all instances completed by volunteers. Major upgrades such as electrical, welding, carpentry, etc., are often provided by local contractors at cost, and with much done as in-kind donations. The annual budget for the Fall Fair and Rodeo is in excess of $250,000, and to this date the NTFFRA remains debt free.

Over the past five years 10,000 – 11,000 visitors have converged on the small community of Barriere during the week of the Fall Fair and Rodeo, bringing with them an estimated economic impact of $525,000. Eighty-five percent of the visitors are from the Kamloops and Lower Mainland areas. More than 85 percent of the expenditures are purchased from local businesses.

Notably, in March of 2011 the NTFFRA embraced a vision of constructing the North Thompson Agriplex; a multi-use agricultural facility to serve the region and beyond. In less than six months, thanks to volunteers, businesses, contractors, supporters and sponsors the building was erected and able to host the 62nd Fall Fair and Rodeo. Most importantly, the community buy-in to the project was phenomenal; over $730,00 raised (including $188,000 in-kind donations) to complete phase one of the project. In 2012, phase two of the project has been funded by the BC Community Recreation Program. The fall fair facility holds on average over 100 events annually; serving local, regional, and provincial needs. The public demonstrates a willingness to participate in activities at the facility, not just seasonally, but throughout the year; and with the addition of the North Thompson Agriplex the number of events has already started to rise significantly. The NTFFRA recognizes, that with continued positive growth and expansion within the facility, that the direct economic growth to the community of Barriere and the surrounding area remains immediate and significant.

The dream that was started 65 years ago lives on today, because of unending community spirit and the hardworking dedicated volunteers who continue to make it all happen. The legacy lives on! The dream lives on because a group of volunteers and participants work hard together each year to keep it so.

Pride In Agriculture

April 5, 2014

Agriplex beef showmen

Since 1949 the volunteer run North Thompson Fall Fair and Rodeo Association has been pro-active in showcasing and promoting agriculture, youth, 4H, healthy living, and sustainable food production. Our facility in Barriere, British Columbia, holds an average of 100 events annually; serving local, regional, provincial, and national needs.  Most recently, we have constructed the North […]

Filed Under: History and Archives

2010 – Action every day at Fall Fair

June 8, 2010

2010 – Action every day at Fall Fair

By Jill Hayward – Barriere Star Journal Published: September 13, 2010 5:00 AM Updated: September 13, 2010 6:55 AM After 61 years the members of the North Thompson Fall Fair and Rodeo Association still know how to put on a great show. The Labour Day Weekend Fall Fair and Rodeo in Barriere seemed to be […]

Filed Under: History and Archives

2009 Fall Fair still sparkling after 60 years

June 8, 2009

2009 Fall Fair still sparkling after 60 years

The 60th holding of the North Thompson Fall Fair is now history. This annual Labour Day weekend event, presented each year by the volunteers and members of the North Thompson Fall Fair and Rodeo Association, truly did sparkle for their diamond anniversary. The town of Barriere started to buzz many days before the event as […]

Filed Under: History and Archives

2007 Fall Fair something to be proud of

June 8, 2007

2007 Fall Fair something to be proud of

“Something for everyone” was on the agenda at the 58th Annual North Thompson Fall Fair and Rodeo held the Labour Day weekend in Barriere. “It was great,” said North Thompson Fall Fair and Rodeo Association (NTFFRA) president Jill Hayward, “We had three full days of first rate family entertainment that blended beautifully with our agricultural fair.” Hayward noted that the agricultural displays […]

Filed Under: History and Archives

2006 Labour Day fair and rodeo “rocks”

June 8, 2006

2006 Labour Day fair and rodeo “rocks”

Parking spaces were at a premium as numerous visitors flocked to the 57th Annual North Thompson Fall Fair and Rodeo (NTFFRA).The town of Barriere rocked to the beat of a good old fashioned fair while temperatures stayed in the 30’s and visitors thoroughly enjoyed the sights, sounds and smells of the valley’s most popular event […]

Filed Under: History and Archives

2005 Fall Fair gets better with age

June 8, 2005

2005 Fall Fair gets better with age

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 […]

Filed Under: History and Archives

2004 Rain, sun and fun – Fall Fair 2004

June 8, 2004

2004 Rain, sun and fun – Fall Fair 2004

“The best fair ever” came to Barriere this year for the Labour Day weekend. In spite of torrential downpours on Saturday and unsettled weather the rest of the weekend the show did go on and the people came. Mother Nature did her best to put a damper on the 55th Annual North Thompson Fall Fair […]

Filed Under: History and Archives

1989 New Route For Children’s Parade

June 8, 1989

1989 New Route For Children’s Parade

A new children’s Parade route will be held in conjunction with the North Thompson Fall Fair. The route will start at B’s Bulk Foods & Deli downtown, then proceed up Barriere Town Rd.,turning right on East Lake Road., then left at the Fair’s hall. Anyone up to the age of 12 may be a part […]

Filed Under: History and Archives

1967 North Thompson Fall Fair More Exhibits This Year

June 8, 1967

1967 North Thompson Fall Fair More Exhibits This Year

The 18th North Thompson Fall Fair was a success, with only 30 less people attending than last year, despite the number of people still out fighting fire. Exhibits in the Woman’s section were considerably more numerous this year and the judges felt that the quality of the work was of a higher caliber than usual. […]

Filed Under: History and Archives

1967 Fall Fair Plans Keep Many People Busy

June 8, 1967

1967 Fall Fair Plans Keep Many People Busy

At a special meeting held at the home of Mrs. W. Livingstone, Women’s Institute members planned to enter the W.I. booth contest in the Fall Fair. They decided upon the items each would enter. Saturday, August 26, Work Day at the Louis Creek Fall Fair Grounds is the time that all the Fall Fair members […]

Filed Under: History and Archives

  • 1
  • 2
  • Next Page »
Fall Fair Catalogue 2021

September 4-6, 2021

  • 2021Entry Forms
  • 2021 Schedule of Events
  • 2021 Fall Fair Catalogue

GATE PRICES: Adult $15, Students/Seniors (65+) $10, Children 10 and under Free; Parking Free
Sorry, no dogs past the ticket booth. Please Leave your dogs at home.

Sponsors

Chinook Cove Golf & RV Ad District of Barriere Ad Gift and Gabs Ad Rainer Custom Cutting Ad 2W Livestock Equiptment Logo Star Journal Logo Monte Carlo Motel armour mountain office supplies logo Firefox Enterprises Logo TNRD Logo Polaris Logo BC Rodeo Association Logo Pacific Western Brewing Logo simpcw.png ram.png rivershore.png Trans Mountain

More Sponsors

Follow us online

  • Facebook
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

 

Contact Us

North Thompson Fall Fair and Rodeo
4856 Dunn Lake Road
PO Box 873
Barriere, BC V0E 1E0

Find Us

Get Directions

  show options hide options

Fetching directions......
Reset directions
Print directions
Larger Map

Social Media

  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Copyright © 2020 North Thompson Fall Fair & Rodeo · Website by mkWebDesign