The exhibition that has been around longer than the city hosting it is set to dazzle attendees for another year.
The British Columbia Northern Exhibition (BCNE) takes place from Thursday, Aug. 14 to Sunday, Aug. 17 and is expected to attract an estimated 20,000 locals and regional visitors.
Organizers from the Prince George Agricultural and Historical Association chose Come and Knock on Our Door as this year’s theme, aiming to showcase the agricultural roots that founded the BCNE back in 1912, as well as the hospitality that came with it.
Exhibition Park will be transformed by the BCNE with midway rides, shows, 80 indoor vendors, 15 food trucks, equine competitions — and much more.
Amy Heise, president of PGAHA and BCNE, told The Citizen about some new offerings that guests can expect.
“This year we’ve got a caricaturist, which is part of the gate admission,” she said. “It’s free for anybody after you pay to get in, and his name is Ted Kooling. He’s new. We’ve got Clinton Gray back, who’s our magician … and then we’ve got some new horse events out of the ag arena.”
Below is a schedule of the equine events and their times:
Thursday
- 1 p.m.: Kid’s Gymkhana
- 6:30 p.m.: Barrels
Friday
- Noon: Saddle Up N Sort (will run all day)
Saturday
- 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Saddle Up N Sort
- 6 p.m.: Breakaway warm-up
Sunday
- 9 a.m.: Breakaway Finals
- Noon: Team Roping
In addition to equine events, the BCNE is also hosting two dog shows expected to showcase the talents of man’s best friend.
SuperDogs is set to run all four days at the BCNE — at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. from Aug. 14 to 16, and at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Aug. 17.
Running for 40 years and a centrepiece of many agricultural fairs, SuperDogs has made more than a hundred television appearances, with 150 experienced trainers guiding the performances.
“SuperDogs is a dog agility show and they use all rescue dogs,” said Heise. “They travel all over Canada. We’ve had them for six years now and they’re super popular. Everybody loves to see the SuperDogs — of course, they are a part of the gate admission. So once you pay your gate, besides the rides and the food, anything else in here is covered. It’s super popular — the stands are always full.”
SuperDogs isn’t the only event featuring canine talent; the BCNE is also offering stock dog demonstrations on Aug. 14 at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
The BCNE is also partnering with Spirit of the North to offer a casino night to raise funds for both organizations.
The casino night will take place during the BCNE Ale Festival on the Friday night of the exhibition. Tickets are currently on sale online at the BCNE website, www.bcne.ca.
Heise was also excited to share a unique contest coming to the Ale Festival.
“There’s a movement, and it’s a big movement. What people are doing is what is called a Mrs. Roper Romp,” said Heise. “You dress up in your best Mrs. Roper costume from the sitcom Three’s Company. Think red curly hair and bright-coloured costumes, and then they do pub crawls and things like that. So on Saturday night, we are having a Mrs. Roper Romp in our Ale Festival.”
Tickets to casino night also include gate admission and five tasters from the breweries and cideries at the BCNE. Funds from ticket sales will be split 50/50 between the two organizations.
With the BCNE being one of the North’s longest-running events, it’s only natural that the exhibition would showcase its roots.
Heritage Lane will feature old-fashioned trades, skills and live demonstrations. Guests will have an opportunity to explore old Fort George and learn more about the pioneers and mavericks who helped found the city.
Heise told The Citizen what guests can expect during their visit to Heritage Lane this year.
“We brought a whole little village of buildings,” said Heise. “It’s just beside where gymnastics is, and Huble Homestead has a booth in there — the Spinners and Weavers, the Railway Museum, Barry the Blacksmith, the Beekeepers Association, the Métis Association. It’s really just going back to our roots and offering display areas.”
Of course, the BCNE wouldn’t be complete without roaming performers and some electrifying Main Stage acts. While the full schedule isn’t available yet, Heise offered some early hints at what guests can expect.
“We’ve got the Legends Live group that does the Elton John impersonator and others — they’re going to be in our Ale Fest on Friday night,” said Heise. “As well, Corey from Legends Live is going to be doing his Elton John and being our MC for our main stage. Then on Saturday in the beer group, we’ve got Appaloosa Band playing our main stage, and we’ve got lots of local acts, like Chris Godwin and Rick Stavely.”
Despite all the high-energy attractions and performances, Heise said her favourite part of the BCNE is the 4-H club, which has been a core part of the exhibition since the 1930s.
“Because they get exposed to animals they don’t see all the time, and their little faces are so excited to see bunnies and chickens and even the cows,” she said. “It’s a very exciting time for them — and that’s really my favourite part.”
Heise also wanted to emphasize that this is an event for everyone in the region.
“I hope that they know that our group of volunteers is doing our best to make BCNE something that’s affordable, and that there’s something for everyone,” said Heise. “We want to make sure that you’re entertained the whole time you’re here. Maybe you don’t want to shop, maybe you want to look at horses, maybe you really want to go look at the bunnies, maybe you just want to ride the wagon — there’s lots of stuff to do, and $10 gets you a multitude of things. So if you want to come and have a cheap day and you aren’t a ride guy, or you don’t want to buy food here — $10 gets you a ton of different things to do and you don’t have to pay any extra once you get in!”
Visit www.bcne.ca to learn more.
.jpg;w=120;h=80;mode=crop)
