Image Credit: Curtis Goodrum / CFJC Today

By Curtis Goodrum

87th PROVINCIAL WINTER FAIR

Boots and hooves take over Circle Creek Ranch for 87th Provincial Winter Fair

Sep 19, 2025 | 5:11 PM

KAMLOOPS – This week marks the 87th annual provincial winter fair, held at Circle Creek Ranch in Kamloops. The event brings 4-H members from across BC to participate in competitions throughout the weekend.

The event helps its young participants to take care of animals, learn through hardships and become stronger public speakers through presenting their projects.

“We hope that they learn citizenship, leadership, responsibility, that they develop resilience because they have to stick to it, often through challenges and hardship,” said Carole Gillis, vice-chair of the Provincial Winter Fair committee.

“I have learned to do public speaking better. I’ve learned leadership skills because I’m the vice-president in my club and I’ve learned to take on that role and guide my club through other stuff and teach the younger members new things,” said Alexandra Coutts, who has been a part of the 4-H program for seven years.

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CFJC Today asked Paxton Mayden what he is learning.

“Make sure you handle your chickens a lot, because if you don’t work with them a lot, they’re not going to obey you when it comes to showtime, and you’re just going to be struggling,” said Mayden, who was competing in Poultry showmanship with his Black Jersey Giant hen named Hera.

“Washing the lambs was my favourite part because I remember right before I started, I hadn’t seen the lamb like my whole life and I feel like probably, yeah, the most fun part is washing the lamb,” said Blaire Hickey, a photography and market lamb project participant.

Despite the differences in animals they raise, each 4-H member appreciates the time they get with their projects.

“Getting to have love with the animal and the bond because it’s nothing can change the bond, I feel like. It’s irreplaceable. Yes, it’s hard when they’re the steers because you have to say bye but I wouldn’t change it for the world” said Coutts

“My favourite part about 4-H is being with all the animals and making new friends with the people in the club,” said Hickey.

“It’s just the bonding to the animal. It’s awesome. You get to work with them. You get to get experiences for. You also get Grade 10 and 11 credit,” said Mayden.

“They run into friends that they’ve made from around the province and reconnect. Sometimes they go on trips, and sometimes they meet them at other shows. They’re always happy to see their friends again, and it’s competitive. It’s a challenge for them, as well. All of those things add up to a pretty rewarding weekend,” said Gillis.

The Provincial Winter Fair runs from September 19 to 21, with an auction on the 22nd.