Few events in our half of the province match the history and heart of the British Columbia Northern Exhibition (BCNE).
As Prince George prepares to welcome thousands to participate in the BCNE from Thursday through Sunday, the event once again proves it’s more than just a fair — it’s a living celebration of everything that makes Prince George exceptional.
This year’s theme, Come and Knock on Our Door (the theme song from the classic sitcom Three’s Company), is a nod to hospitality — a theme more than fitting for an event that has thrown open its gates and welcomed fairgoers of all ages for more than a century.
In fact, the BCNE predates the City of Prince George itself, with its roots reaching back to 1912 — three years before the city was incorporated. That remarkable longevity speaks volumes about the value our community places on gathering and celebrating.
This event doesn’t simply appear each summer. Something not widely known: the BCNE is not a city-run event. It is the product of months of hard work, fundraising, and community collaboration. The BCNE is only made possible by the Prince George Agricultural and Historical Association (PGAHA), thanks to their tireless work and a passionate team of volunteers who plan, coordinate, build, entertain, inspire — and then clean up afterward.
It’s a labour of love, and it shows.
This year, the Exhibition Grounds will be bursting with life. Along with thrilling midway rides, equine competitions, indoor vendors, and local performers, this year also boasts the return of the SuperDogs show, featuring rescue pups with world-class agility — sure to draw huge crowds once more. Livestock demonstrations and the ever-popular 4-H Club will give attendees a front-row seat to the region’s agricultural roots.
But the BCNE isn’t just looking backward with events like the quirky and spirited Mrs. Roper Romp at the Ale Festival, where guests will don vintage ’70s garb in homage to Three’s Company. It’s filled with fresh energy and new ideas — including the addition of caricature artists, an exhibit that we at The Citizen are personally looking forward to seeing.
There will be local bands, impersonators from Legends Live, and a casino night fundraiser supporting both the BCNE and Spirit of the North. The festival truly offers something for everyone.
And speaking of everyone — this year’s Seniors Fair, hosted by the Prince George Council of Seniors, deserves special mention. On Thursday, Aug. 14, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., for a $2 admission fee, seniors can enjoy free coffee, affordable food, games, music, and a showcase of 50 senior-focused services and organizations.
That kind of affordability and inclusivity is something the organizers take pride in. As BCNE president Amy Heise reminds us, once you’ve paid your gate admission (just $10 for most), everything from the dog shows to concerts to caricatures is included. If you don’t want to hit the midway or grab cotton candy, there are still countless ways to fill your day with entertainment, education, and joy — without spending another dime.
The BCNE has always been about connection — between generations, between rural and urban, between past and present.
So, this week, come out and join us at the BCNE. You’ll find the heart of Prince George and a tradition 113 years in the making.
To the volunteers, board members, and sponsors who work year-round to bring the BCNE to life: thank you. You don’t just put on a fair — you put a spotlight on what it means to be a community.
Visit www.bcne.ca for details.
