A bigger midway in a new location is one of several changes for this year's VIEx, the 130th edition of the event in Nanaimo. (File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Alex Rawnsley

ONE MONTH AWAY

Nanaimo’s VIEX celebrating 130th edition with return to fall fair roots

Aug 19, 2024 | 5:29 AM

NANAIMO — New dates, new performances and a new layout means a new start for the Vancouver Island Exhibition.

A summer staple for the mid-Island in recent years has shifted dates from its usual late-August run to a more traditional timing, this year running Sept. 20-22 at Beban Park in Nanaimo.

Spokesperson Michelle Solloway told NanaimoNewsNOW the date change opens up a lot of options for them to grow and put on a more well-rounded show.

“One great thing about changing our dates is that we no longer share the dates with other fairs, so we have more livestock coming and the return of barrel racing…we haven’t had the barrel racers in quite a while.”

Organizers are hopeful the September dates will also encourage more home arts and garden competitions.

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Solloway said the VIEx started 130 years ago as an early October offering.

“…down at the Pavillion Park it was called at the time, it’s now Maffeo Sutton. We were intended to be a fall fair…our focus is agriculture so your fields and crops are probably more ready end of September/October.”

Another significant change this year is the layout of the park for the event.

New pickleball courts being built at Beban Park are having a domino effect on where things can go, along with an expanded midway from West Coast Amusements which promises more ride options for all ages.

“With that shift, we’ve had to move everything else. The main stage has moved again, we have Midway going down along the back corner instead of the front which gives them a lot more space. Superdogs will be moved closer to the horse ring.”

All the favourites are poised to return, along with some new rides from West Coast Amusements. (File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Between 19,000 and 20,000 people flock through the gates over the three days to take in the rides, shows and live entertainment.

Headliners on the main concert stage this year include Bif Naked on the Friday, Ali Walker on the Saturday and CCR-tribute band Bad Moon Riders on the Sunday.

Mid-Island Vintage Tractor and Equipment Club will be on-site again, along with matches from Vancouver Island Pro Wrestling and stunts by GlobalFMX.

More information on the VIEx is available on their website.

Thousands come to the fair every year, which has been a summer offering in recent memory but is returning to the fall fair roots in 2024. (File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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