Image: 2024 Chilliwack Fair reported record high attendance figures. / Chilliwack Fair Facebook

By Fraser Valley Today Staff

Growing Attendance

Chilliwack Fair celebrates growth while planning for the future in report to Council

Dec 28, 2024 | 11:20 AM

CHILLIWACK — Organizers of the Chilliwack Fair reported a successful 2024 event to City Council during a December presentation, highlighting record attendance and strong community involvement.

Eryne Croquet, president of the Chilliwack and District Agricultural Society, told Chilliwack City Council that the fair has seen consistent growth over the past decade, with attendance rising from 35,000 visitors in 2014 to 49,500 in 2024. Only the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021 saw declines.

“Our goal is to ensure the fair remains accessible to everyone,” Croquet said, emphasizing efforts to keep ticket prices reasonable. In 2024, adult single-day admission was $15, and a family pass cost $40, with parking available by donation. Croquet noted that 2025 ticket prices are expected to remain unchanged.

Community partnerships played a significant role in the fair’s success, with local groups raising substantial funds. Volunteers from GW Graham Secondary School’s sports program managed parking, earning $11,500, while the Chilliwack Soroptimists operated the entrance gates and raised $15,700. The NOW Roller Derby group ran the beer garden, collecting $13,400 for their efforts.

Image: Volunteers from the Chilliwack Soroptimists helped to operate the admission gates at the 2024 Chilliwack Fair. / Chilliwack Fair Facebook

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Croquet praised the spirit of collaboration and support that underpins the fair, noting that more than 500 volunteers contributed to the event. She also acknowledged the City of Chilliwack and regional sponsors for providing over $100,000 in cash and in-kind donations.

Mayor Ken Popove praised the work of the fair’s organizers. “A big heartfelt thank-you to your volunteers,” said Popove. “You can’t do it all on your own.”

In addition to its economic impact, the fair serves as a platform for arts and culture. Croquet highlighted the $50,000 in grant funding received to support cultural programming, including headline entertainers, dance performances, logging shows, and professional cooking demonstrations.

Image: Cultural dance groups were some of the performers provided with a spotlight during the 2024 Chilliwack Fair. / Chilliwack Fair Facebook

Looking ahead, organizers are embarking on a strategic planning process to address the challenges of growth while maintaining the fair’s core values. Croquet told councillors the organization recognizes it needs to sustain its strong volunteer base and consider how to fund additional paid staff as the event continues to expand.

Councillor Jason Lum gave his support to the fair, which he believes has become the highlight of the summer in Chilliwack. “In an age of people having to pay more and more for everything, it seems like there are not enough community events that are open and accessible to families and folks who what to partake,” said Lum.

The 2025 Chilliwack Fair, themed “Barnyard Bash,” is scheduled for August 8–10.