The annual Vancouver Island Exhibition at the Beban Park Fairgrounds draws thousands of people (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

annual fair

‘All the organizers are quite stoked:’ full program returns for annual VIEx

Aug 26, 2022 | 5:26 AM

NANAIMO — On the heels of a virtual show in 2020 followed by a reduced offering last year, the VIEx is back to full force.

The 128th edition of the popular agricultural fair takes over the Beban Park Fairgrounds from Friday, Aug 26 through Sunday, Aug 28.

In the range of 20,000 people are expected to attend the fair, according to VIEx society president Stephen Kass, which features rides, live music, performers, animals and food.

“All the organizers are quite stoked with the fact that we’re putting on our full event again this year and really looking forward to getting the community back into our fairgrounds,” Kass told NanaimoNewsNOW.

A full midway opens daily at 12 p.m.

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“The midway is bringing some extra rides this year, which we’re looking forward to. We’re moving things around in order to accomodate that.”

The main entertainment stage features Jesse Roper and Jojo Mason on Friday and Saturday nights respectively at 9:30 p.m.

The usual array of livestock will be on display, which was scaled down drastically last year.

Kass was worried about issues securing a large roster of animals.

“We were little concerned because of the Avian flu and the potential of not having poultry available, but they will be here this year so we’re really excited for that.”

Other attractions include freestyle dirt bike riders, pro wrestling, Super Dogs, a family zone, numerous food trucks and home arts vendors.

Fair-goers hoping to secure on-site parking are advised to arrive early.

Tickets are $12 for adults, $9 for seniors and youth and children six-years-old and under get in free.

The VIEx runs from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 9 a.m to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

More information on this year’s VIEx, including a detailed program schedule can be found here.

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