WESTLOCK – The three-day 108th Annual Westlock & District Ag Fair was packed full of events and was a success, say organizers.
The fair ran from Aug. 16 to 18 and had everything from chuck wagon and chariot races, and a draft horse pull, to a pie eating contest and demolition derby.
“I think it was another successful year for sure,” said Carl Larsen president of the Westlock & District Agricultural Society.
Premier Danielle Smith participated in the parade Aug. 16.
“We had lots of compliments on the parade,” said Larsen.
The fair was good for some local downtown businesses, including Kerri’s Café and Bakery.
“The parade in particular was really great for our business, the parade route and all the people gathering downtown,” said owner Kerri Kestiw. “Our Friday was really busy, and we really appreciate it a lot.”
But for Basile’s 2 for 1 Pizza and Pasta, which isn’t located downtown or along the parade route, there was no increased business.
“Last year was better,” said owner Sherry Ammar. “Maybe this year because of the weather we didn’t see too many new faces.”
Larsen agreed that the rain put a damper on attendance at the start of the weekend.
“Too bad Friday was kind of a rain out for the chucks and chariots but Saturday we were able to host everything.”
In spite of the rain, the Draft Horse Pull event went ahead Friday, Aug. 16 afternoon. The rain kept many away from the stands but not dedicated fans Harriett and Keith Wiedrick of Westlock who have been attending the Annual Westlock and District Agricultural Fair for about 40 years. They said they have volunteered at the event many years in the past.
Larsen wanted to acknowledge all of the volunteers and sponsors. He said last year his father-in-law put in approximately 400 hours and he put in about 300 hours preparing for the fair, plus all the hours the rest of the volunteers contributed.
Throughout the fair it took approximately 75 to 80 volunteers each day to keep the event running smooth.
“A lot of volunteers are needed,” said Larsen, adding that without the volunteers and sponsors the event wouldn’t be possible.
