The Northern B.C. exhibition, formerly the Prince George Exhibition, will undergo many changes in the coming months, according to new general manager Heather Webster.
Be on the lookout for a rebranding of the fair, including a change in logo and motto, to reflect the modern-day focus to appeal to all ages visiting the fair grounds this year.
Webster grew up in a farming environment and still resides in Quesnel. The 25-year-old worked as an intern for MP Dick Harris and moved to Ottawa to continue working in politics there. She then moved over to a company that designs airports, worked for Employment Services and then moved to the BCNE Jan. 13.
The BCNE board recognized it was time for a change.
"People just weren't excited about the fair anymore," said Webster. "The board decided to elect Alex Huber as president and he has a lot of excitement for the BCNE. This year we're just trying to make it more about the community. They saw there needed to be a change and we've got some new blood on the board and that needed to happen."
Board members include Huber as president, Nancy Loreth as past president, Cheryl Anderson as vice president, Lucia Fendelet as treasurer, and William Bruens, Nicole Legault, Mai Huber, and Amanda Chandler. Along with Webster as general manager, Denise Boulanger is the office administrator. The board is always looking for more members for the driving force behind the fair, the Prince George Agricultural & Historical Association.
"The big picture is we want to include everyone from all walks of life," said Webster. "Typically the focus has been on forestry and agriculture, and now we want to get the business person, the politician, as well as making it affordable for everyone. We've changed our rates so that a family of four can come through the gates for $25."
The fair relies heavily on community partners and volunteers and wants to expand their partners and are reaching out to car clubs, motocross, and BMXers.
"Any type of sports or anything that the people of Prince George are interested in," said Webster. "We know there a lot of people we are not reaching and we want to be able to target those audiences and we're open to suggestions and hope people in the community come forward because we want something for everyone."
To get in on the contest to create the new motto for the fair, check out the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/bcnepg. The winner will get an XBox One.
