Sooke Fall Fair Philosophy
The Sooke Fall Fair is a community fair that gives people an opportunity to congregate in the spirit of the “Rural Fair” philosophy and in this traditional annual event, reflects Sooke’s strong community spirit.
The philosophy embodies:
- Pride in local natural resources
- Pride and focus on individual and family endeavours
- The integration of young and elderly, able and disabled, participator and spectator
- The spirit of volunteerism in which our community has long prided itself
How It Started
In 1910 the Provincial Agricultural Fairs Association was established, which later became the British Columbia Fairs Exhibitions and Festivals. The association held a convention to discuss the dates for all the fairs in British Columbia so that judges were available for every fair. That year the Women’s Institute joined with the Farmer’s Institute in sending an entry to the Fair in Victoria. They also sent two members Mrs. Harvey and Mrs. French to take care of exhibits for a week. Imagine driving to Victoria from Sooke in 1910, they must have been very proud of their produce to take that lengthy trip.
The first recorded Fall Fair in Sooke was held on September 19, 1913. The Women’s Institute donated $25 for prizes at the fair. Sooke celebrated the opening of what it intends shall be a long list of annual shows. The first poultry show took place last winter, and its success warranted Mr. Miller Higgs and his energetic committee in adding this district to the list of those which hold fall fairs.
From 1913 to 1949 Fall Fairs in the Sooke area did not occur every year. There were breaks due to World Wars.
The 1950 Fair will be the first fair since 1945.
The purpose of the Fair is to interest people in the produce grown in the Sooke District.
Every year, on the weekend after Labour Day, the Sooke Fall Fair Association holds its annual Agricultural Fair at the Sooke Community Hall. The fair has been an annual event since 1950. The Sooke Fall Fair was originally organized by the Farmer’s Institute, becoming part of the Sooke Community Association in 1960 and incorporated as a society in 1988.
In 1962 we held the first Pet Parade, which is a popular event. People who brought their pets to the parade as children are now bringing their grandchildren to the event. In 1988 and 1989 the Fair was held at Edward Milne Community School, but soon returned to the Community Hall after great displeasure from some entrants.
During the COVID years abbreviated events took place at John Phillips Memorial Park.
On To The Present
We promote friendly competition and as a community fair, we aim to be all inclusive; there are no residency requirements for our entrants. Everyone is welcome. Entering your produce and crafts is a fun way to show the public the great things grown and created in Sooke, and the prize money is a bonus! The confidence experienced by the entrants helps them in their future endeavours.
The fair brings the community together for an enjoyable weekend. We thank each person, business, youth group, community group, T-Sou-ke Nation, District of Sooke and politicians for their continued support. We appreciate and rely on the time and effort of volunteers that make the fair a success.
In 1950 there were 5 sections and 92 classes to enter in. Now we have about 24 sections and 1400 classes, with something to interest most people from Preschool to Golden Age. Over the years we have added new sections and classes to modernize our fair while maintaining our core values. Every year we have a different theme, which over the years has celebrated international years, remarkable people, or important issues.