By battlefordsNOW

NW Territorial Days: A community highlight

Aug 17, 2018 | 3:00 PM

For the people of the Battlefords and surrounding area, Northwest Territorial Days is a high point of the summer.

The Battlefords Agricultural Society held its first fair and exhibition here back in 1887, and for 131 years now the celebration has been a staple in the very fabric of the community.

Jocelyn Ritchie, General Manager of the Battlefords Ag Society has been with the organization for 18 years, serving in the position for over 10 years.

This year with the smoke carried over from the B.C. wildfires, there was a question of whether the smoky-skies overhead could pose a hit to the number of people attending the Territorial Days festivities, but Ritchie said the turnout has been great despite it.

“Wednesday when the smoke was absolutely horrible our attendance was down; however, over the two days [collectively] we are above the attendance from this time last year, so we are doing really well.”

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Ritchie said as the smoke let up, more people continued to come.

“People just kind of held off and waited for the smoke to clear – literally – then came out, so [the attendance numbers] are up overall from last year at this point and hopefully we are going to have a terrific day again today and be up even farther.”

Ritchie said the support shown to the Ag Society by the community is evident everywhere you look at the fair; by the number of those attending, and by the amount of people who volunteer their time to make the celebration happen.

“We really, really have to commend our volunteers,” she said. “We probably have 500 volunteers with all our different special food groups on our grounds and the parking people; it is just absolutely incredible how our community comes together for this event.”

Ritchie also said a huge appreciation is held for the sponsors who contribute as well.

“We could not do it [the fair] without our sponsors. We are a non-profit organization, so just thanks to absolutely everyone who helps in any way for this wonderful event.”

As far as new attractions at the fair this year, people can enjoy a wide range of shows in addition to the rides and specialty food.

“I’ve noticed that the people are drawn to trapeze acts that we have; we actually have three shows again today. We also have a great exhibit in the Agriplex, so go and see that, and the Super Dogs. The Super Dogs are always popular so come and see them,” she said.

Ritchie also encourages people to stick around tonight for the grand finale to close out the final night of the fair.  

“To top it all off – our big highlight tonight is the demo-derby,” she said. “During the intermission of the demo-derby this year, we have a motorcycle driving through a wall of fire. It’s going to be incredible so I encourage everyone coming out today to try to come really early because the parking lot gets full and over full. Try to make it by mid-afternoon if you can.” 

Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1