Sooke Fall Fair committee members had their first meeting on Jan. 15 to brainstorm for the event’s 100th anniversary.
According to Ellen Lewers, Sooke Fall Fair vice-chair, the fair has run since 1913, interrupted only once during the Second World War.
To celebrate the fair’s centennial, members are currently developing ideas related to ‘Our first 100 years.’
In the works are special guests for the fair’s opening, new categories, and old fashioned games like hay rides, sack races, and hay bale tossing.
To suit the historical significance of the 100th year, people will be dressed up in period costumes and an entire room displaying an old fashioned kitchen will be set up.
Although participation has been waning over the last few years, members are actively seeking support for the event.
They will be hosting a competition within schools in search of the best artwork for the Sooke Fall Fair Catalogue front page, and are hoping to see businesses partake in the 100th year fever.
“We also want to see competition with all the businesses in Sooke with a theme on a 100 years,” Lewers said.
Submissions for the 100 year cook book will be accepted until Feb. 15. Members are interested in Sooke Fall Fair award-winning recipes, accompanied by a story of the recipe’s creator and its significance in relation to the fair.
“We’d like locals to submit special recipes that they’ve won prizes for in the fair, with a little story attached,” Lewers said.
They are also looking for old Fall Fair photos of previous entries or events.
Planning for the significant milestone is still in its infancy, and the committee is welcoming local residents to join in.
“We invite people to join and come with their ideas,” Lewers said.
A series of flea markets will be hosted for seven months leading up to the fair, which will take place in September.
The flea markets will occur on the fourth Saturday of each month at the Sooke Community Hall from 10 a.m. till 2 p.m.
Each flea market will highlight a Sooke Fall Fair section head, and information on how to enter, what can be entered and what judges are looking for will be made available.
Although tentative, upcoming section heads to be highlighted include February, produce; March, needlecraft; April, animals; May, flowers; June, photography and art & literary arts; and July, kitchencraft and honey, wine and beer.
To attend a committee meeting, submit a photo or recipe, contact Lewers at mrslewersfarmhouse@shaw.ca.
To book a flea market table, please call Candace at 250-474-5771.