Whether you’re volunteering or coming as a guest, you’re sure to have a great weekend at the 2024 Hanover Ag Fair!
“We have a little bit of a change in scheduling, but it’s not too different,” the Hanover Ag Society’s sponsorship and marketing coordinator Brenda Levesque explains. “It’s the same activities we usually have. Thursday and Friday we have the Bull Riders Canada Invitational- it’s amazing entertainment. We have the Party in the Dirt each night afterwards, with live music- Jaryn Friesen on Thursday, and JR Charron on Friday. Friday morning, there’s a free pancake breakfast hosted by the RM of Hanover. If bull riding is not your thing, bring the family for a FREE outdoor movie, Kung Fu Panda 4, Friday at 9:00pm at the Fairway Ford Mainstage.”
There will also be a parade, the vendor village, a chicken barbecue, the family fun zone, the Front Porch Jam, arm wrestling competitions, the Heritage wagon ride tours, fireworks, and, of course, George Canyon and Emma Peterson performing Saturday.
“As soon as George is done, the fireworks go off. It’s really awesome!”
Those looking to amp up their Ag Fair experience are invited to book a VIP table for the bull riding or the George Canyon concert.
New this year is a painting class, and a chainsaw carving demonstration, where attendants can enter a raffle to win one of the carvings. The fan favorite mud bog is once again happening, held at the South Adventure Speedway… and it’s exactly what it sounds like.
“We’ve got big, old trucks that come through and drive through the mud. They made a huge mess, and everyone loves it- they go crazy for it. It’s honestly fantastic entertainment for the whole family!”
Levesque notes that as there’s usually a little bit of down time between mud bog runs, the Society has planned for some superhero friends to come hang out and chat with the kids during breaks.
Aside from superheroes and muddy messes, Levesque says that what she’s most looking forward to is the change in the schedule.
“I think it’s great that we’re putting so much into Saturday so that people don’t have to choose if they want to come Saturday OR Sunday. Either day, you get everything.” She continues. “Another thing that I’m looking forward to is hopefully seeing more people come, as this year, kids 11 and under get in free on Saturday.”
Levesque acknowledges the recent rise in the cost of living, and hopes that people will take advantage of a fun, free day at the fair.
“We want it to be attainable and affordable for families as much as possible.”
With the action starting this weekend, the Hanover Ag Society is still in need of volunteers. Volunteer opportunities include admissions, concessions, merch and 50/50 sales, VIP servers and runners, sanitation, first aid, and information. Anyone interested is invited to visit the Hanover Ag website to pick the slot… or slots… that work best for them.
“We actually have some exciting news for our volunteers,” Levesque shares. “If you volunteer for more than one shift, you’ll be entered to win a Barkman Concrete stacked stone fireplace!”
However many days you’re planning on spending at the Hanover Ag Fair, Levesque hopes guests will consider volunteering for a few hours, as volunteers are the lifeblood of community events.
“We truly, truly appreciate our volunteers. You’re giving your time. You’re giving your wonderful summer weekend. We so appreciate it. And we know that everyone who comes to enjoy the event appreciates it, too.”
Fair dates are August 15th to 18th at the Hanover Ag Grounds. Plan your 2024 Hanover Ag Fair weekend here.