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1873
The Chilliwack & District Agricultural Society (The Fair Board) was incorporated. It is one of the oldest societies in B.C. and the second oldest continuously running fair. In 1886 The Fair Board purchased 4 acres of land from Mr. Isaac Kipp for $872.50. The Fairground was established as the block bounded by Wellington St., Mary St., Princess Ave., and Edward St.
1909
The Fair Board purchased 22.63 acres from William Hodgins and the Fair moved to Spadina Ave. The racetrack was built and soon gained the reputation of being the best winter training tack in Canada.
1935
The Fair Board purchased a group of lots adjacent to Corbould Street from the City.
1945
The Fair Board was having trouble paying the property taxes so the property was turned over to the City for $1699 – the approximate amount of the debt. There was an agreement that the Fair Board would forever be given year-round offices, storage space, and the exclusive and free use of the grounds to put on the annual Fair. It was also decided to build Civic Centre and the Fair Grounds was seen as the appropriate place.
1957
The City wanted to put a roof on the Coliseum to be used for skating. The property was returned to the Fair Board, which was eligible to receive grants from the Federal and Provincial Governments and the Coliseum was finished. The property was then returned to the City and Municipality. The Coliseum was used for many years for skating and hockey until it was replaced by Prospera Centre.
1999
It was decided that the Fair property should be used to build a recreational and sports facility to be located on Lickman Rd.
2000
The Fair moved to the current location at Heritage Park on Lickman Rd.
2012
140th Anniversary Celebration.
2017
Canada’s 150th Birthday.
2018
30 Years of the Chilliwack Rodeo.
2020
1st Chilliwack Virtual Fair
2022
150th Anniversary Celebration!
The Chilliwack Fair is proud to present
THE 150th CHILLIWACK FAIR LOGO
BY LOCAL ARTIST BON GRAHAM (B.WYSE)
The Chilliwack and District Agricultural Society are proud to announce the release of a special logo in honour of the momentous 150th Annual Chilliwack Fair being celebrated this year from August 5 – 7, 2022 with a special kickoff party with the band Default on the evening of August 4th. The logo was commissioned by the Society to commemorate the rich and resilient culture and heritage of The Chilliwack Fair over the past 150 years, as well as celebrate the growth that the event and community have had together as we seamlessly connect to the future. We are passionate about our roots from where we have come as well as our future, so bright in progress and promise and are excited to share this with everyone visually, through this logo.
The logo was designed by local Indigenous artist Bon Graham, who so truly portrays the pride and celebration of all our 150 years. Bon took our vision and made it come to life.
“I wanted the design to pay tribute to the 150 years of this fun filled community event. Chilliwack’s mountainous surroundings, the sun rising over Mt. Cheam, watching over the green lush valley, bringing a new day; and Welcome Figures for our deep Indigenous roots. Colourful, fun and welcoming to everyone. I chose some of the key elements of the fair over the years; the rodeo, the rides, the animals and of course the children’s enjoyment and families making memories for years to come.” – Bon Graham
The artist, Bon Graham [b.wyse] of Stó:l? (Chilliwack) and Snunéymuxw (Nanaimo) ancestry, is from Hope B.C. Her art and designs have been featured with School District projects, logos and murals, Vedder Roundabout public art piece, educational products, social awareness images such as Anti-bullying and Every Child Matters designs. She has also created a Coast Salish inspired font and has devoted her art and designs to preserve language, culture and traditions of the Indigenous peoples, working closely with respected elders for guidance and inspiration. She is an award-winning graphic artist and designer and continues to develop and share her art and designs through logos, public art pieces, gift products, prints, original paintings and educational books and programs. For more information: www.bwyse.ca or email Bon at: bwyse@hotmail.ca. Kw’as ho:y
2023
35 Years of the Chilliwack Rodeo.