After a two year hiatus, Brome Fair, the largest rural agricultural fair in Quebec, is officially back. Planning since 2021, the Brome County Agricultural Society (BCAS) has kept Brome Fair traditions up its sleeve and plans on hosting an event that is familiar, but loaded with fun. As always, on Labor Day weekend, all roads lead to Brome Fair.

“It feels great, and nerve-racking, and a whole bunch of things rolled up into one,” said Diana Frizzle, co-chair for the publicity committee for Brome Fair. 

Having opted out on holding the fair last September due to the pandemic and the difficulty surrounding COVID protocols, BCAS has been planning an event filled with activities that fair goers look forward to every year, including the truck pull. 

“We’re going to have the horse pull as usual on Friday nights. The last time we had the fair, we had the demolition derby (…) It was popular, it’s noisy, but it’s popular. It’s a short lift thing so,  they’re coming back again this year,” mentioned Frizzle. 

The provincial livestock competitions and the handicraft competitions, which has a registration deadline for Aug. 10, will also be back this year. 

“Basically, we are putting on Brome Fair as we always have. Midway, rides, and the big parade, which is always a big pull on Sunday,” said Frizzle. “Now, the number of people in the barns for the competitions that is yet to be seen. (…) The handicraft stuff should be immense, we’ve had two years to prepare instead of just one; three I suppose you could call it from the last fair.” 

Like in previous years, Brome Fair will have its big entertainment for the weekend on Sunday night and found its contender in tribute band Rainwater Whiskey. 

“The small stage is booked solid with local entertainment,” noted Frizzle. 

As of now, there isn’t anything particularly new being added to Brome Fair’s programming, but Frizzle noted that not everything is confirmed or set in stone as they were walking the line of caution. 

“Some things have happened even though there was no fair. There was some work done on the grand stand and there will be some things evident there. Even though there was no fair, the grounds people have done some work to improve and maintain the fair grounds. It is also easier to do without 50,000 people,” laughed Frizzle. 

Having sold over 10,000 tickets in its presale, BCAS are expecting a large crowd of around 35,000 attendees this year. 

“That’s all the fun in fair. Fair food, good music, good rides, if you are so inclined, and good memories,” said Frizzle. 

For more information on Brome Fair’s program for 2022 and/or ticket prices, visit bromefair.com

Listen to the full interview below: