Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Country Fest turns 125 when gates open this weekend at the Albion Fairgrounds.
The anniversary is reflected in this year’s theme, “Party Like it’s 1901 – 125 Years of Fair Fun”.
Organizers are preparing the grounds for the more than 300 youth involved in 4-H clubs from across the province.
Guests of the show will have front row seats to all the 4-H competitions, and they will be able to visit the barns temporarily housing cows, sheep, pigs, goats, and more.
Established in 1901 as the Fall Fair, to encourage the development of agriculture and foster both the mechanical and home arts, the fair has evolved into something much bigger.
After undergoing many name changes throughout its existence, in 1998 it became known as the Maple Ridge Fair and shortly after that, it received its current title, Country Fest.
Today, the historical fair is a celebration of community.
In addition to celebrating its agricultural roots, there is live entertainment, and plenty of other attractions for the whole family.
This year on the Canadian Heritage Stage festival goers will be able to catch local country artist Danielle Ryan and four-piece band Appaloosa on Friday afternoon.
On Saturday entertainment will continue all day from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. and will include: Wild Moccasin Dancers, Downtown Bollywood, country musician Matt Kennedy, the Country Cuties Dance Team, hard-hitting country band Dakota Pearl, multi-award-winning Canadian country artist Karen Lee Batten, American Rock Legends, with headliner JoJo Mason hitting the stage from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. with his unique country sound.
Mason has earned six Top 10 singles over the past decade, in addition to achieving CRIA Gold certification for “Better On You,” he has received multiple Canadian Country Music Assocation Award nominations, and surpassed 50 million career streams.
He is currently nominated for two BC Country Music Association Awards.
On Sunday there will be a church service from 10-1130 a.m. before Feelin’ Alright takes to the stage at 11:45 a.m., followed by the Silver Diamond Line Dancers, Canadian bluegrass band Jackson Hollow, and finally The Rundown, who will be closing down the festival with their covers of the top country hits from the 1980’s, 90’s, 2000, and more.
Back at Country Fest this year will be a lumberjack show at various times over the weekend.
Shooting Star Amusements will have a midway going the entire weekend.
On Friday July 24, from 2-4 p.m., those aged 55 and older can get a sneak peek of the fair at a special event featuring live music, complimentary refreshments, discounted foods from the Maple Ridge Lions Club grill, and golf cart service from the parking lot to the venue on the fairgrounds.
At Planet Ice on Saturday, there will be a free public skate from noon to 4 p.m. with rentals for only $1.25.
All day on Sunday, there will be Gymkhana horse riding games for guests to watch including: barrels, Big T, poles, Cupid’s arrow, and a mystery game.
Johanna Walker will be conducting sheep shearing demonstrations both Saturday and Sunday.
Home Arts and Gardening entries will be on display from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Exhibits Building on Saturday and Sunday.
A barbecuing contest will be taking place at 3 p.m. on Saturday and at 4 p.m. on Sunday for a chance to win a Traeger Pro 22 barbecue grill.
A food truck festival will have everything from shaved ice, poutine, mac and cheese, gourmet hot dogs, coffee, ice cream, Mexican, shawarmas, lemonade, mini doughnuts, and more.
At 12:15 p.m. on Saturday, and at 1:45 p.m. on Sunday, there will be a blueberry pie eating contest.
And, for those who love to exercise their creativity, there is a photography contest that people who take pictures of the fair can enter.
There are three cash prizes to be won and winning photos will also be featured on the fair’s website. Entries can be submitted to: admin@mrpmcountryfest.com, along with an entry form that is available on the website. Winners will be announced on the first of two evenings celebrating the anniversary of the fair with the world famous RCMP Musical Ride, taking place Wednesday and Thursday, Aug. 12 and 13.
Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Country Fest runs July 24-26 at the Albion Fairgrounds.
For more information go to: https://www.mrpmcountryfest.com/.