After pausing the annual celebration of the country culture and traditions, the Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows CountryFest is back this Saturday.
A community tradition for 121 years, the two-day celebration focuses on agriculture and the farmers of Ridge Meadows.
Previously, nearly 20,000 people attended the free event. From live music to sheep shearing, here’s what you can expect this year.
From July 23 to July 24 at Albion Fairgrounds you will witness live belly dancing from Shimmy for the Soul, a Romani dance group performance and a Scottish Highland dance.
What would be a country fest without country dancers? Diamond country dancers will be performing, too.
Part of the schedule is the Eurofest flag parade showcasing European cultures and stage performances.
A hoop dance from Jane Wylie, a Haida First Nation-Scottish girl as well as a musical performance by The Spiritual Warriors, members of the Lilwat First Nation are part of the programming.
For activities, you can expect to shear some sheep, watch a lumberjack show, and a horseshoe-powered drill with the horses, pun intended.
Various artisans including Gone Hooking and Maple Ridge Quilters Guild will have live demos and products for sale.
Young or aspiring farmers can learn about ways to make land farmable and agricultural with the featured speaker, Darcy Smith.
To accommodate seniors, the Ridge Meadows Seniors Society (RMSS) will be hosting a Sneak Peek CountryFest event on Friday, July 22.
To make the fair more accessible and quieter, seniors will be able to enjoy live music by Phil Van Loo, complimentary cookies and lemonade, said Heather Treleaven, executive director of RMSS.
They will also have the opportunity to view arts, crafts and baking entries at the Home Arts Building.
On Sunday, RMSS groups including line dancers and seniors ukulele group will be performing for the Prime Timers Show from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
