I throw a big hat in the air as a salute to the fabulous local volunteers and sponsors who worked endlessly to make the 2024 Brackendale Fall Fair an amazing experience for the locals of Squamish. Thank you to all of you!
Without you, the fall fair, which has been an event in Squamish since 1915, would not happen.
Here’s what your volunteer, sponsorship, or attendee support did for our local community.
1. You kept dollars in the community.
2. You embraced what makes us unique.
3. You created local jobs.
4. You supported local farmers.
5.You aided local service organizations and small businesses.
6. You inspired creative activities.
7. You encouraged neighbours to grow food.
8.You contributed to volunteerism by generously giving back to the community you love.
9. You built strong community.
10.You protected a beautiful, natural setting in our ever-expanding town.
We keep our gate fees affordable. (We don’t pay any shareholders, event planners or staff) so we can:
1. Ensure everyone can enjoy the day.
2. Donate Fall Fair proceeds to making this community special.
3. Give our children a great place to build their lives toward successful adulthood.
We get it. This town is driven by adrenaline, a chemical reaction to stress (good or bad), which is energized by consuming food. So race the race, climb the mountain, but please support your local Farmers Institute. The mandate written way back in the last century still applies today.
This famous poem sums it all up succinctly.
The Farmer
The king may rule o’er land and sea, The lord may live right royally, The soldier ride in pomp and pride, The sailor roam o’er ocean wide; but this or that, whatever befall, The Farmers, they must feed them all.
The writer thinks, the poet sings, the craftsmen fashion wondrous things, the doctor heals, the lawyer pleads, The miner follows the precious leads; but this or that, whatever befall, The Farmers, they must feed them all.
The merchant may buy and sell, the teacher instruct civic duty well; but citizens may toil through busy days, or citizens may stroll through pleasant ways; From king to beggar, whatever befall, The Farmers, they must feed them all.
The farmer’s trade is one of worth; they partner with the sky and earth, they partner with the sun and rain, And no one loses for the gain; people may rise, or people may fall, but The Farmers, they must feed them all.
May we honour the folks who sow the wheat, who find us milk and fruit and meat; May their purse be heavy, their heart be light, the cattle and corn and all go right; May we honour the seeds their hands let fall, For The Farmers, they must feed us all.
By Amelia E. Barr
Again, thank you to the volunteers and everyone who supports the Brackendale Farmers Institute and Fall Fair.
With grace, we will see you in 2025, stepping up to participate and volunteer in your community to make it strong and free.
Glenne Campbell, event producer
Brackendale Fall Fair
