President’s Message

Welcome to the 113th Sooke Fall Fair! Our theme this year is ‘Growing a Better Future.’ As I reflect on what this means for us, I am reminded of three people whose vision aligns with ours: active optimism and bringing community together. Helen Keller’s 1903 essay, Optimism, where she wrote: ‘Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.’ Arguing that true optimism is not just a fleeting feeling but a conscious choice to act—and a vital requirement for human progress. We at the Sooke Fall Fair are making that conscious choice to act, with the desire of “Growing a Better Future”. Anthropologist Margaret Mead famously advised, ‘Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.’ We’ve seen that profound truth in action right here, both at our fair and throughout our community. Ernest Sirolli also noted that ‘the future of every community lies in capturing the passion and imagination from its people.’ Here In Sooke, imagination and passion are what drive us forward. True resilience starts right here in the soil beneath our feet, where the rugged coast and the rainforest meet our unique agricultural and artistic community. Ever since our very first fair in 1913, Sooke has possessed a distinct spirit of self-reliance and a shared determination to care for one another. It is during unpredictable times that the simple acts of gathering, sharing, and creating continue to be our greatest strengths.

As you walk through our exhibition tent and throughout the whole fair, you will see exactly what that self-reliance, community, and determination look like. It is seen in the prize-winning tomatoes, vibrant floral arrangements, meticulously stitched quilts, the stunning photography, inspiring literary works, and incredible local artwork. You see it shining clearly in our youth exhibits, heritage livestock, and the incredible energy of our local market vendors. It is the soundtrack provided by our talented local musicians, and the laughter shared over a meal under the open sky. More than a celebration, our Fair is an interactive classroom. This year, we have placed a deep focus on education that empowers us all to grow. We are thrilled to welcome the 606 Water Group to guide us through critical water-conservation efforts and Alligator Creek for fascinating forestry demonstrations. Yukon Dan teaches us heritage gold-panning techniques, and the Sooke Region Museum interactive displays that bring our local history to life. The Fair serves as a living shield against modern anxieties. Every seed planted, tune played, lesson learned, craft displayed, story written, is a tangible voice for creating a better tomorrow. To truly grow a better future, we must honour our deeply rooted traditions while finding creative ways to modernize. Actively bridging the gap between generations, we carry this balance forward. Our elders hold the invaluable blueprints for land stewardship, community survival, and history, while our youth bring the vital energy and modern, fresh ideas needed to guide us into tomorrow. By uniting wisdom and experience with modernity, we protect our local traditions, ensuring the unique spirit of Sooke thrives for generations to come.

None of this would be possible without the incredible dedication of our community as a whole. I want to extend my deepest thanks to each and every one of you, to our passionate volunteers, and to our generous sponsors. Without your dedication and support, the Sooke Fall Fair weekend would not be a reality. Your collective hard work is the living definition of active optimism and community. Whether this is your first fair or your 100th, welcome home, and thank you for “Growing a Better Future” with us.

Sincerely, 

Lisa Nilsson, CD 

Sooke Fall Fair Association President