Cowichan Exhibition Fair

Trip Information

Circle September 18 on your 2021 calendar — that’s the weekend the Cowichan Exhibition is having its 153rd Fair!  It’s a little later than usual; in the past the show has been held on the Friday/Saturday/Sunday immediately after Labour Day. The Exhibition’s staff and volunteers are cautiously optimistic that the new dates will allow them to open the grounds* to more of the favourite events, such as the carnival, live entertainment, vendors and food trucks.

In keeping with the more upbeat outlook for 2021, the Cowichan Exhibition chose “Follow the Yellow Brick Road” for its theme,  inspired by the resilience of the main characters in The Wizard of Oz. Exhibitors of all ages creating entries for the fair will find several challenge classes listed in its Official Catalogue, all with a connection to Dorothy, her little dog Toto, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion or to the colour duo of emerald green and sapphire blue. In addition to friendly competitions for gardeners, photographers, bakers, artists and crafts people in Mellor Hall, there will be colourful quilts, spinning & weaving, and 4-H fibre arts in the barn. Not all displays on the weekend will be static!  Closer to September, go online to the Exhibition’s website, www.cowex.ca, for an update on sheep dog demonstrations, a mini horse show and an American Saddlebred presentation. Find out more too about what’s happening onstage.

What's a fair without rides??!! Binge on amazing rides like the Scrambler, Hurricane, Himalaya, and the classic Ferris Wheel. Leave yourself dizzy and delighted. With plenty of rides to choose from, your all-day wrist band ($40 additional cost) will let you ride them all! 

What to Wear:

• Appropriate clothing and footwear for the weather and for walking

 What to Bring:

• Umbrella or rain coat (in case it rains)
• Water bottle 
• Money for games, food vendors, and rides (if you choose to not get wristband)
• A backpack to carry all your items
• Camera

Meeting Location: 

VIU Building 255, Main Lobby (second floor) at 4:30 pm

Trip Includes:

Round-trip transportation to the Cowichan Exhibition Fair, free time to explore, eat, play games and enjoy the rides.

$30.00 covers your transportation to the fair. You are welcome to purchase ride tickets/wristbands at your leisure upon arriving at the fair OR pay an additional $40.00 in advance with us (same cost - just saves you from standing in line when we arrive at the fair) which will cover the cost of your ride wristband. 

Prices at the Ticket Box (Onsite at the Fair) 

• Wristbands: $40 at the ticket box
• 20 Red tickets $25
• 40 blue tickets $45
• 1 single Gold ticket $1.25
• New Speed ride ticket $8
  *** Individual Rides take between 3-6 tickets (excluding the Speed Ride)

Policies, Health & Safety

We have an ongoing commitment to ensure the safety and quality of our trips, with trained and responsible student leaders, staff and community partners. Before you sign-up, please check out our policies & procedures for more information about how to prepare for a trip, as well as our cancellation policy.

How to Sign Up

Our activities are available to all current VIU Students. Sign up with us in person in at the Front Reception Desk on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am – 1pm in Building 255 - Second Floor.

You will need to have your:

1. Student card,
2. Proof of medical insurance (BC Care Card or Guard.me Insurance Policy)
3. Payment (cash is currently the only method of payment for activities)

Waiver Form

Please read our general waiver form for VIU group activities in the attachment section below. All participants are required to read and sign the waiver before the start of the trip. We will provide a paper copy for you to read through again and sign the morning of the trip.

Contact

Kelsey Moon – Activity Program Coordinator
Kelsey.moon@viu.ca
250-753-3245 x 2737