PHOTOS: Thousands of Vancouver Islanders flock for gander at 116th fall fair
Published 11:45 am Monday, October 5, 2026
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There may have been no elephants, but there was jumbo-sized fun – and one very unusual-looking creature turning heads at the Luxton Fall Fair.
With its white, curly feathers, Sebastopol goose Lucky was hard to miss as visitors streamed through the Luxton Fairgrounds for the three-day event, held Oct. 2 to 4.
Lucky was one of many farmyard animals on display, alongside a packed lineup of entertainment, antique farm equipment, historic steam machinery and the usual thrills and spills of the travelling midway.
Metchosin Farmers’ Institute president John Penner estimates around 5,000 people passed through the gates each day, with Mother Nature playing a crucial role in the event’s success.
“I’ve probably said this a dozen times this weekend, but we won the weather lottery,” he said, sitting in the warm fall sun among the antique farm equipment. “Lots of people out, lots of interest in all the exhibits, and not just the midway.
“I think the fact that the weather’s so nice this late in the year has really brought a lot more people out, because historically, the fall fair attendance has been lighter, and when it’s cooler and/or wetter out, it can be virtually non-existent.”
Penner’s highlight of the weekend?
“That there have been no problems,” he says with a wry smile.
Visitors could also step back in time at the fair, with the museum showcasing old photographs and newspaper clippings documenting the people, events and more unusual moments that have shaped the site’s history.
With the fall fair now in its 116th year and the Metchosin Farmers’ Institute in its 128th, there were plenty of moments to draw from.
One memorable fall fair moment came in 1958, when nine-year-old Susy played a starring role in the festivities – all three tons of her. The elephant, who belonged to zoo operator Paul Hertel, took part in the fall fair parade with Colwood clerk Stan Hiscock riding atop. The seven-foot-four giant then gave rides at the fair to children brave enough to climb aboard.
While circus animals will never play a part in the Luxton Fall Fair again, the Metchosin Farmers’ Institute announced in March its ambitious plan to restore the fairgrounds site back to its former glory.
Penner and marketing manager Jason Silvey said they hope much-missed events, such as the rodeo and tough trucks, could make a triumphant return.
The volunteer group has already made good progress, says Penner, with some buildings freshly painted and another sporting a new roof.
Talks are already underway for a slate of events next year, including a Cirque du Soleil-style circus, and Penner says they are fielding enquiries from classic car clubs and the Four Wheel Drive Association of BC.
“Right now things are looking up,” he says.
For the fairgrounds and Farmers’ Institute to continue thriving for decades to come, Penner says more volunteers are needed.
He also says the groups that use the grounds, including the Greater Victoria Men’s Shed, Vancouver Island Blacksmiths Association, Happy Valley Quilters and Triangle Athletics, are also welcoming new members.
“We’re all looking for people to come out and be part of the organizations and part of the Farmers’ Institute,” he says.
For more information about how to get involved, visit the Luxton Fairgrounds Facebook page or the website: luxtonfairgrounds.org.