The VIEX will forego its usual setup at Beban Park in favour of an online exhibition due to COVID-19 and restrictions on social gatherings. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

ONLINE EXHIBITION

COVID-19 forces Vancouver Island Exhibition to go virtual for 2020

May 26, 2020 | 9:40 AM

NANAIMO — The VIEX has officially joined a long list of summer staples in the region to either be cancelled, or drastically alter the way they operate.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions on social gatherings, organizers for the Vancouver Island Exhibition have pulled the plug on their traditional setup at Beban Park.

It’s the first time in 126 years the VIEX will not run in its traditional fair format.

Instead, organizers will transition as many elements of the exhibition to a modified, virtual format featuring concerts, contests and other attractions online.

“It’s new and exciting for us, not having done anything like that before,” Karen Streeter, VIEX president. “We’re looking to come up with contests for the children, we’re still going to be doing our home arts competitions and we’re looking at perhaps a live virtual concert.

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Streeter said they are hoping to begin some contests and activities in June.

The move to modify the exhibition stemmed from restrictions on large gatherings from provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.

“We have to keep everybody safe, she made the decision so we are abiding by that decision,” Streeter said. “It’s upsetting for all people to have their events cancelled, but we will be back next year.”

The VIEX will conduct its virtual fair through its social media channels.

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