The BCNE is presented by the Prince George Agricultural and Historical Association from Thursday, Aug. 15 to Sunday, Aug. 18 at Exhibition Park.
Here are some things to know about the event, now in its 112th year:
The history
The BCNE has been running since 1912 – three years before the City of Prince George was incorporated – and has grown into the area’s premier agricultural exhibition.
“The first exhibition was held downtown and brought in about 200 people,” states a history on the BCNE website. “They hoped that townspeople and farmers in the district would exhibit, compete and enjoy themselves, drawing the community together. The fair continued at various downtown locations until 1964 when an agreement was made between the City of Prince George and the Exhibition Association to manage the fairgrounds from which they operate today.”
The Boys and Girls Club, now known as 4-H, began taking part in the 1930s and has been a key part of the fair ever since
The oldest divisions are the Home Arts and Horticulture Divisions. Dozens of sections including baking, woodworking, spinning and weaving, quilting, cut flowers and baskets and hundreds of classes to enter are all featured in the annual Prize Book. Participants are encouraged to enter at least three classes and challenge three friends to do the same.
Admission and hours
Hours: 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday.Adult admission (18-54) is $10. Youth (12-17) is $5. Children (11 and under) are free with an adult. Seniors (55 and up) pay $5. Seniors Day is Thursday, Aug. 15, with admission for people 55 and up at $2.
Live entertainment
Thursday, Aug. 15
- 11 a.m. UHNBC Traditional Drummers
- Noon: Disco Beats
- 1:45 pm Comedy Magic Show
- 3 p.m. Ben Brown
- 4 p.m. Jack Jackson
- 7 p.m. Stewart White
- 9 p.m. YXS
Friday, Aug. 16
- 10:30 a.m. Zoe & Araya
- Noon: Water Walker
- 1 p.m. Comedy Magic Show
- 2:45 p.m. Rick Stavely
- 4 p.m. Stewart White & Friends
- 5 p.m. Far From Linear
- 7 p.m. Blacksmith
- 8 p.m. Rukus
Saturday, Aug. 17
- 11 a.m. North of Stoner
- 1 p.m. Comedy Magic Show
- 3 p.m. The Chevy’s
- 4 p.m. Tabor Creek Band
- 6 p.m. The Kickers
- 8 p.m. The Chris Goodwin Band
Sunday, Aug. 18
- Noon: Comedy Magic Show
- 2 p.m. McCoy Fortich
- 3 p.m. Sam Holden
- 5 p.m. UHNBC Traditional Drummers
All weekend
- Dancers will be performing in Kin 3.
Midway
The BCNE’s fair rides are provided by West Coast Amusements.
“Our state-of-the-art rides are constantly maintained and always clean and freshly painted,” WCA states.
All rides use between three and seven coupons. Please note that children under 2 or under 36 inches and pregnant persons are not permitted to ride any ride.
Weather permitting, Wristbands will be valid from open to close. Wristband sales will start at noon and will be cut off at 8 p.m. daily. On Sunday, Aug. 18, wristband sales will be cut off at 4 p.m.
SuperDogs
The Superdogs will be at the BCNE all four days.
- Aug. 15-17: 11 a.m., 1 p.m. 3 p.m., 6 p.m.
- Aug. 18: 11 a.m., 1 p.m. 3 p.m., 4:30 p.m.
The SuperDogs have been entertaining audiences all over the world for 40 years. “To put it into perspective, they’ve been around longer than cellphones, IMAX movies, home computers, and all the SuperDogs really wanted us to mention this one, the Broadway show ‘Cats,’” BCNE organizers state. “They’ve been the subject of television specials (ESPN’s ’SuperDogs! SuperJocks!’), the inspiration for feature films (‘Daniel and the Superdogs’), they’ve appeared on hundreds of television shows, from ’Canada’s Got Talent’ to CBC’s 'The Rick Mercer Report.'"
Touring constantly across North America, the SuperDogs show uses a talent pool of about 150 experienced trainers in different parts of the country who bring their family dogs and become cast members for these fast-paced, interactive, heart-warming and hilarious productions.
About 40 per cent of the SuperDogs have been adopted from SPCA, Humane Society and local shelters.
Heritage Lane
Step into history and explore Old Town Fort George and its history
Volunteers will be on hand to provide live demonstrations of pioneer life in the area.
Seniors Day
Located in Kin 3 on Thursday, Aug. 15, Seniors Day is a great way to come and check out all the information booths (available Thursday only), visit with old friends and maybe make some new ones too. Admission for seniors for this day is only $2.
4H
4-H youth leaders and their families work hard all year long to be able to showcase their achievements at the BCNE.This program is for youth 6 to 25. They will have a variety of exhibits including beef, sheep, swine, rabbit, llama, goat, cake decorating, outdoor living and more.
A few reminders
- The BCNE takes place rain or shine
- Parking is free
- All sales are final. The PGAHA/BCNE is not responsible for lost, stolen, or forgotten passes.
- All patrons are subject to being searched as a condition of entry.
- All bags are subject to search.
- The BCNE is a non-smoking venue.
- No outside food and beverage is allowed. Onsite concessions and bars are available.
- No public nudity or lewd conduct will be tolerated. If in violation you will be removed from the exhibition site.
- No pets are allowed.
- No weapons and fireworks are allowed.
- PGAHA/BCNE reserves the right to refuse entry to anyone at our discretion.
- All people attending the BCNE do so at their own risk. No liability is assumed by owners, managers, promoters, sponsors or others associated with the event.
- Any unauthorized use or resale of PGAHA/BCNE branding/logos is strictly prohibited
- Zero tolerance for bullying. Harassment of any volunteer, staff member, board member, casual employee of the BCNE, vendors, or fairgoers will not be tolerated.
