Midway and all the favourites from the VIEx will return against in 2024 for the fair's 130th year...albeit a few weeks later than normal. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

130 year history

‘We were originally intended to be a fall fair:’ VIEx shifting annual fair to mid-September

Feb 2, 2024 | 4:53 PM

NANAIMO — The 130th edition of the Vancouver Island Exhibition will feel a little different than in years past.

Citing midway availability and competing fairs elsewhere on the Island, VIEx organizers have made the decision to shift this year’s event from August to Sept. 20-22 in a bid to maintain the size and scope of the annual mid-Island tradition.

VIEx director Michelle Solloway told NanaimoNewsNOW moves made by midway company West Coast Amusements forced a rethink but also opened an opportunity to go back to basics.

“[West Coast Amusements] have had to reorganize their company and they went down from four travelling units to two. We were originally intended to be a fall fair, so as a way to celebrate our 130 year it’s made sense to try and move back the original intent of the fair and be a fall fair.

The festival moved to late August in 2019, but it meant they were competing head to head with the Comox Valley Exhibition and split participation in livestock and 4H events.

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Having a strong and healthy agricultural component is critical for fair organizers, as driving awareness of associated clubs and best practices has been a key goal for the fair since its inception.

“Being able to move again and not be on the same weekend as Comox, we can rebuild that relationship with them and work together on getting more livestock and 4H participation, which is huge and what we’re here for,” Solloway added.

A full schedule of demonstrations and shows are expected once more for the 130th annual VIEx. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Solloway also said the change in timing allows those on vacation in the last few weeks of summer break to attend the fair, and also for organizers to partner with schools to engage kids further.

“We’ve talked about different ideas of maybe we can partner with some of the schools and arrange for some field trips on the Friday.”

A more fall-like fair is nothing new for the VIEx. Its debut event in 1894 was on Oct. 6 and dates have shifted somewhat over the years.

More recently the event has run in August and frequently caps an incredibly busy stretch of events in the Harbour City with a major festival scheduled for almost every weekend beginning in June.

Solloway said while the weather is “always a challenge”, organizers aren’t overly worried about flirting with fall.

“Last September was pretty warm, it didn’t cool down until more October and even then we’ve had a pretty mild year. Weather is always a concern, especially in August when a big concern is, is it too hot? Providing more shelter, water, we’ve had issues with people getting heatstroke and things like that.”

The shift in dates will have little to no impact on other acts and aspects of the VIEx.

Organizers are expecting another jam-packed main stage at Beban Park, along with many classic shows and demonstrations.

Solloway said a full list is still being compiled, but groups organizers have approached to date are overwhelmingly supportive of the move and plan to attend again.

“Some of them, because it’s our 130th year, for example, Global FMX motocross have offered some other options to make it a bigger show, more riders, possibly bringing in BMX as well as the motorbikes.”

Announcements regarding specific fair details, main stage performers and other elements of the 130th annual VIEx are expected in the months to follow.

The VIEx added in a release they are committed to working with other user groups who typically use the Beban Park area and other facilities in late September.

(File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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