City council chose to stay out of a squabble between Vanderhoof and Prince George fall fairs over event dates.
The Nechako Valley Exhibition Society reached out to city council to intervene because the BC Northern Exhibition (BCNE) has planned its fair Aug. 18 to 21, when it usually happens the second week of August.
"In my opinion I think we stay out of it and we let them work it out," said Coun. Terri McConnachie, who was the long-time general manager of the Prince George Exhibition (as it was formerly known).
"The city has in no way ownership or influence over this event so it's totally inappropriate I think for us to weigh in on this issue as to what's to be done," added Coun. Jillian Merrick, who was acting mayor at Monday night's meeting.
The letter, signed by society vice president Judy Gould, said there was a lack of communication with affected fairs and it will have a negative impact on both the Prince George and Vanderhoof fairs.
From the city, it said it was "seeking support to encourage BCNE to communicate and collaborate with other fairs in the region," especially given it was the event's 50th anniversary.
In the enclosed letter addressed to the BCNE, the society said the executive has shown no "room for negotiation, no regret for the impact this will have on a smaller community agriculture based fall fair and no commitment to future cooperation and consultation."
McConnachie said she spoke with the president of the BCNE board about the matter.
"I've been assured that they're taking the steps necessary to work with the Vanderhoof fair," she said.
"From what I understand the BCNE has to move their fair dates due to death of longtime midway 'Bingo' Hauser after almost 100 years in the trade so that left a big hole in how many fairs West Coast Amusements can actually facilitate.
"They feel boxed in, if I can speak on their behalf, because no matter what they change their date to, someone's going to be upset. They're going to be in competition."
The Vanderhoof group said it can't pick another date, because of Smithers' Bulkley Valley Fall Fair and the Vanderhoof Air Show.
"The actions of the BCNE have a domino effect within the region," the society said.
