The Aldergrove Fair committee has met the minimum needed to begin planning the 113th annual fair, but more volunteers and sponsors are still very much needed, said new president John Keightley.
Keightley himself began volunteering for the fair in late 2023, when organizers said it was under threat of cancelling due to a lack of volunteers.
"I turned up and wanted to do something," he told The Star.
He quickly became involved with organizing facilities such as toilets and fencing, communicating with the Langley Township, and securing grants and insurance.
"The good thing is I've got the background and understand the how it works [to be president]," he said, adding that former fair president Karen Long has been a helpful guide into the role.
Keightley said for the fair this year they need at least 100 volunteers for the days of the event, but they also still need people to join the committee which is responsible for the advanced planning.
"We are short-handed," he admitted.
“When it comes to tear down and putting tables away, chairs and tents away, that’s where we really need help because we are exhausted,” Long explained.
Keightley added that to remain sustainable, the fair has to bring in enough money to support it for the current year but also to have funds in reserve to book attractions in the next.
"A lot of us non-profits are suffering right now. We really need more sponsors," he shared.
He added that the committee is exploring new advertising options for sponsors, and anyone interested is encouraged to reach out info@aldergrovefair.ca.
Dates for the 113th Aldergrove Fair have been set for July 18 to 20.
Keightley hopes to improve on the rides available for children attending the fair, and bring back the pie eating contest and the animal exhibits.
Those interested in volunteering for the Aldergrove Fair can email volunteers@aldergrovefair.ca or fill out the form online at aldergrovefair.ca.
The longstanding tradition of a fair in Aldergrove goes back more than a century, to the first fair held in 1912.
It will take place at the Aldergrove Athletic Park.
