The 72nd Annual Rock Creek Fall Fair is set to go once again with thousands expected to attend the Rock Creek Fairgrounds on Saturday and Sunday for a weekend of family fun, music, good food, carnival rides and meeting old friends. After the recent devastating wildfires that destroyed more than 30 homes in or near Rock Creek, organizers say local residents could use a break from the heartache and are looking forward to having some fun. (Photo supplied)
The residents of Rock Creek always look forward to the small community’s annual fall fair, but perhaps never more than this year considering the trauma and devastation caused by the recent wildfires.
“We’ve had a really tough time obviously because of the wildfires, so we’re looking forward to having some fun,” said Bill Rosovich, the president of the Rock Creek and Boundary Fair Association.
The 72nd Rock Creek Fall Fair takes place this Saturday and Sunday at the Rock Creek Fairgrounds, which, through good fortune, were untouched by the wildfires that destroyed more than 30 homes and 15 other structures just over one month ago.
The Rock Creek Fall Fair has become one of the largest and most anticipated small town fall fairs in all of B.C. with more than 10,000 people expected to attend over two days, said Rosovich.
“Our regular population is less than 1,000, so to have more than 10,000 people pour into our community shows just how much people enjoy coming to Rock Creek for our fall fair,” he said. “I don’t know if it’s the biggest, but it’s certainly one of the biggest fall fairs for a town our size in all of B.C.”
The key to success for the Rock Creek Fall Fair is remaining true to its roots by committing to promoting and showcasing rural living, said Rosovich.
This includes showcasing livestock husbandry and horsemanship, field and garden produce, culinary and handicrafts, art and photography, he said.
“People who live in small towns like Rock Creek do so for a reason,” he said. “They like the quiet, rural lifestyle and we like to show that off during the fair.”
The fall fair is also family oriented with free live entertainment for people of all ages, horse events, lawnmower races, farm games, pony rides, the ever-popular midway, educational displays and more than 70 food and commercial vendors. There will also be a freestyle motocross show in the arena on Saturday and Sunday.
P.T. the Clown will perform in the Kid Zone throughout the weekend, while Neale Bacon Ventriloquist and His Crazy Critters will perform two shows on Sunday.
For the past four years, live bands have been brought in to entertain adults in an intimate concert setting and organizers are very proud of this year’s musical lineup, said Rosovich.
The band Willy & The Poorboys will perform a tribute to the legendary American band Creedence Clearwater Revival on Saturday evening.
Earlier on Saturday, The Trips are sure to get toes tapping with their unique brand of alternative bluegrass, starting at 1:30 p.m. The Borderline Swing Band from Grand Forks will play country, blues and old time swing music at 2:30.
Country music recording artist Lisa Nicole will perform at noon Sunday, while Kelowna’s Devon Coyote will perform his unique brand of rock and roll at 1 p.m.
Drifter, a five-piece band from Kelowna, will play new country and classic rock Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m.
“We first brought in live bands four years ago and they were a hit right off the bat,” said Rosovich. “We try and mix it up with some rock, blues, popular music and country and we get some great crowds out to our live shows.”
Great support from local businesses have allowed the fall fair’s board of directors to build a sparkling new ticket booth, which will be able to sell tickets and process patrons getting into the fairgrounds much quicker than in previous years, said Rosovich.
The Rock Creek Lions Club will have a booth and will be accepting donations to raise money for victims of the recent wildfires, said Rosovich.
Organizers also allow regional community organizations to promote themselves and raise funds, so the Bridesville Community Centre, Rock Creek 4-H Club and Beaverdell Community Centre will have booths at this year’s fair, he said.
Many people who grew up in the area and no longer live near Rock Creek make sure they return home every September to attend the fall fair, said Rosovich.
“A lot of people who have moved away make sure they come back home to attend the fall fair and many come with their kids and grandkids,” he said.
People from across the Okanagan Valley and many other parts of B.C. attend the Rock Creek Fall Fair, including a large contingent from Osoyoos and Oliver, he said.
Because the Rock Creek community has been through so much over the past several weeks, Rosovich reiterated this year’s fair should be more memorable than most.
“A lot of people have suffered and we’ve gone through some very tough times, but this year’s fair will allow them an opportunity to get away from the grief and hopefully let their hair down and have some fun,” he said.
KEITH LACEY
Osoyoos Times
The 72nd Annual Rock Creek Fall Fair is set to go once again with thousands expected to attend the Rock Creek Fairgrounds on Saturday and Sunday for a weekend of family fun, music, good food, carnival rides and meeting old friends. After the recent devastating wildfires that destroyed more than 30 homes in or near Rock Creek, organizers say local residents could use a break from the heartache and are looking forward to having some fun. (Photo supplied)
