Community: Canada Day – Euphoric Exhibition

By Evan Fryer. As the student delegates headed down for breakfast in the morning, there was no denying that nerves were running high; the 2012 Provincial Heritage Fair Showcase was among us. [Click On Image For Full Story]

One student even asked, “Are we being judged today?” To his relief, there would be no judging at the exhibition; the showcase was a time to share their projects through thoughtful and engaging conversation with members of the public and most importantly, each other. And there is no better day than Canada Day to talk about our rich history.

Shortly after breakfast, the students donned running shoes and their blue heritage fair t-shirts because we were a part of Abbotsford’s Canada Day Parade! After a quick visit to MSA Museum’s Tretheway house, we held our banners high, grinned from ear to ear as we passed by each person on the street, and marched the 5km route. Some students complained that their arms were getting tired from waving at so many people, but they trudged onwards.

As we walked, we sang the song, “Teaming Up the Cariboo Road” and chanted “BC Heritage Fairs!” The parade led us to the sight of the Exhibition Grounds in Abbotsford where there was a Canada Day celebration being put on by the City. As we walked through the carnival-like atmosphere, we finally reached the Cadet Building, where our Opening Ceremonies and exhibition were held.

As soon as we arrived, students put on their costumes, and set-up their projects. Before the fair even began, members of the public were already coming by to look at the projects and talk to the students. After everything was set-up, and after a quick lunch, it was time for the Opening Ceremonies. Students gathered outside with the dignitaries and waited with high anticipation for the piper to start up his pipes.

As the bagpipes filled the whole exhibition grounds we entered the Cadet Building with pride, knowing just how much effort it took to get to this moment. We were led by the talking stick, carried by Cam and Harpreet, which was carved specifically for the Fairs Program. The beginning of the ceremony included a traditional welcome from the King and Queen of the Elders Gathering.

After a few inspirational speeches by elected officials and our sponsors, Michael Gurney, President of the BC Heritage Fairs Society, officially declared the 2012 BC Provincial Heritage Fair open.

With the room filled with 200 people for the Opening Ceremony, questions were asked of the students even before they got back to their projects. The fair was a huge success; some students didn’t even have a chance to catch their breath between presentations. This is just a testament to the enthusiasm that exists within each of the student delegates.

Ultimately, there was somewhere between 400-500 people that came through the exhibition hall, each of whom learned something from the students.

After the Provincial Showcase, he headed back to the dorms for dinner; it was pasta night! We then walked to the local pool, and swam for the remainder of the evening. If the students weren’t tired after the parade and standing by their projects all day, they certainly were now.

With drenched hair and squeaky shoes we made our way back to the fields at the Columbia Bible College, where we watched the Canada Day Fireworks display put on by the City of Abbotsford. As the fireworks burst in the sky, we enjoyed some freezies before all of the exhausted students finally went to bed.

For More On The 2012 BC Heritage Fair Students Visit To Abbotsford See BC Heritage Fair Under Community News Or Explore Abbotsford.