Saanich Fair to serve alcohol at this year’s event for the first time ever

Lots to look forward to at the 156th Saanich Fair!

Mark your calendars and shine up those cowboy boots, the fair is set to return from August 31st to September 2nd, and plenty of fun additions have been set in motion.

Over the past few weeks, Saanich Fair has been announcing a number of improvements and changes to this beloved community event, including the availability of alcohol. 

After much consideration and guest feedback, they’ll be offering cold alcoholic refreshments with a great selection of food options in their Dining Room section, which also offers front-row seating for entertainment!

While there are a few against the idea, overall, anticipating attendees have expressed their support, stating that they’ve been hoping for this for a while. 

“This is great, looking forward to a beer,” one comment reads.

Grab a bevy or two with your pals and immerse yourself in the wondrous live performances the fair offers each year. 

Additionally, they’ve decided to expand the Kids Zone—moving it to the west field to provide for  more space. 

Families can gather here and treat themselves to bouncy castles, ponies and pipsqueaks, face painting, carousel, heritage acres candy scramble, activity tent, live entertainment, tractors and much more.

The Kids Zone isn’t the only section that’s expanding either!

The Midway will have an added 25,000 square feet, which means more rides, shorter wait times and no fast passes. 

A licensed bistro-style cafe will be joining the mix of new options, offering lighter meal options and appetizer style food, as well as a small selection of beers and cider. It’ll be located by the entertainment stage.

The Saanich Fair is the longest running agricultural fair in western Canada, having been a staple since its inception in 1868!

Every year it continues to grow and provide the community with a variety of activities, from entertainment to sheep shows and 4H, as well as classic fair rides.

Come see it for yourself this September!

If you’re available and willing to volunteer, you can sign up on their website.