MURILLO – Thousands gathered for another year of the Murillo Fair from Friday to Sunday.
Lindsey Kosolowski, president of the Oliver Agricultural Society, said this event happens on the third weekend of August every year at the Murillo Fairgrounds.
“It's just an excellent opportunity for agricultural exhibition. We do cows, crops, crafts, everything you would want in an agricultural fair.
“We saw about 9,000 people through the gates, which is about the same that we had last year. We're just so grateful to have the support from the community.
“We're happy to be supporting the agricultural communities, the farmers, the makers and the creators in our community and be able to put them all on exhibition for everybody to see and enjoy,” she said.
Kosolowski said she’s glad the fair is growing instead of shrinking.
“It's just wonderful to have a safe place for families to come to see animals, to eat yummy fair food and have the rides and be safe and enjoy.”
There were many different things to see over the weekend, she said.
“We have the high stakes barrel racing happening. It’s a nice fast-paced event where you see horses running around all kinds of barriers and ripping around to a timed event. There's lawn mower racing. Earlier, we had a cow show. We have live music on the stage all afternoon. We had some live buskers. We have carriage rides, and just lots of different activities for families to do.
“This year, we had some miniature donkeys, piglets, goats, lambs, sheep. We have amazing market vendors. We had lots of people come out and be vendors for us and we were just happy to be able to host them.”
People always love coming for the pony rides, Kosolowski said.
“I think what makes Murillo Fair unique is that it's very safe. People feel very at ease to let their kids run around and play and be involved in the free children's area. We really try to keep it affordable for families.”
There were over 20 market vendors and various food providers, she said.
“The number of farmers is decreasing in Canada. By having an exhibition, it makes us able to educate people, encourage people and support people in being involved in the agriculture community.”
Some of the highlights of the weekend, according to attendees, were the horse riding, the amusement rides, and the food.
Members of the Oliver Agricultural Society thanked all volunteers for their hard work at the fair.