Skip to content
Join our Newsletter

Prince George’s BCNE cancelled by COVID-19 pandemic

Committee says decision is to respect healthcare, essential workers
BCNE Prince George - August 2019 Chuck Chin
The BCNE has been a summer staple in Prince George for over 100 years. (via Chuck Chin Photography)

One of the most anticipated carnivals on Prince George’s summer calendar every year has been cancelled.

The British Columbia Northern Exhibition (BCNE) has been scrapped for August this year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the current public health recommendations by Dr. Bonnie Henry.

In a social media post, the Prince George Agricultural and Historical Association says the decision ‘was not made lightly,’ but out of respect for local healthcare and essential workers doing their diligence to keep the community safe.

“The BCNE has survived many hurdles in the past such as wars, the depression, wildfires, and hard economic times,” the post reads.

“With the support of our community we will survive COVID-19 as well.”

The fair was scheduled to run Aug. 13 to 16 in the CN Centre parking lot.

It showcases carnival rides, fair food, rodeo shows, local 4-H Clubs, Prince George crafters and artisans, and the President's Choice Superdogs.

This marks the third cancellation in the BCNE’s almost 110-year history.

The 2021 BCNE is scheduled to take place Aug. 19 to 22.

As of this publication, there are 46 test-positive cases of COVID-19 in Northern Health’s jurisdiction.

Untitled design (3)The BC Northern Exhibiton in Prince George features rodeo and carnival rides. (via Facebook/BCNE)