Abbotsford's year-round events, sporting activities and consumer shows at TradeX reach far beyond its agricultural roots.
As Canada's largest air show, this three day spectacular attracts in excess of 350,000 visitors. The Abbotsford International Air Show includes on-the-ground static exhibits such as the B-52, F-14 Top Cat, V-8B Harrier and F-117 stealth fighter alongside other armed forces tactical equipment and demonstrations.
Aerial displays are at the show's heart, usually wowing visitors with the showmanship of the CAF Snowbirds, Canada's national aerobatic team, demonstrations of Corsair, Spitfire and Sea Fury aircraft as well as freefall acrobatics with the CAF Skyhawks parachute team, championship wing walkers and international flight participants. It's a great family show though infants might find the noise unsettling.
Community Events
Trethewey House stages multiple community activities, and innovative presentations at the Reach Museum Gallery are always thought provoking. Events such as the annual Mennonite Relief Sale reflect the region's heritage, as does the fledgling Multi-Cultural festival that celebrates the area's ever-growing and diverse ethnicities.
Farm Events
Farm events are always delight whether it's meandering through a corn maze or picking the perfect pumpkin from endless patches. Eat!Fraser Valley is particularly flavourful with its wine-samplings, celebrity chef cooking demonstrations and tasty treats. Go for lunch and stay for dinner.
In addition to its ever-popular Passport to Christmas shopping tour, Abbotsford's three major annual events, promoted as a Triple-Play, are:
BerryBeat Festival
Historic Downtown positively beats with the vibes of berry mania and entertainment. The free BerryBeat Festival starts with a colourful Red Hat parade and continues with a myriad of activities that are geared to family fun. Within the historic five blocks, open air stages host local talent – everything from Celtic fiddling and PowWow dances to country, rock and blues.
Berried Treasure
An army of Plein Aire artists set up instant studios with paints and sketchpads, stalls sell farm-fresh berries and produce, jams, berry pies and crafts while sidewalk cafes embrace the berry fever with strawberry teas, blueberry baking, berry juices, smoothies and frappuccinos. There's even a berried treasure hunt to enjoy!
Agrifair & Rodeo
Voted the number one community event in Abbotsford, the five-day Agrifair & Rodeo has all the ingredients for a slam-dunkin' good time. Held at Abbotsford Exhibition Park, here's where to come for bucking bulls, barrel racing and precision horse riding, courtesy of the RCMP Musical Ride.
While the livestock and agricultural displays vie for winning rosettes, there's always a line-up of non-stop entertainment including a lumberjack show, mini-car racing and demolition derbies. A midway of games, food, arts and crafts means the fun-filled action never stops. Plan to stay for the fireworks.
Passport to Christmas
For six weeks leading up to Christmas, this special program, Passport to Christmas highlights the very best of the festive season.
Christmas Celebrations & Shopping
Savour homemade delectables at wineries and farms such as Birchwood Dairy, Apple Barn, Campbell's Gold and Lepp Farms. Search for the perfect Christmas tree and all its trimmings at local nurseries and find that unique gift at some of Abbotsford's at-home artist studios such as Glenda's Christmas Cottage, Venema Pottery or in historic downtown's many specialty stores.
The West Coast Christmas Show – a three-day extravaganza at TradeX of gift-ideas, craft and cooking demonstrations is all part of Abbotsford's Christmas celebrations.
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