Northwest Territorial Days are under way for the 125th time in North Battleford this week.
The first fair was held Oct. 12, 1887, and 2012 continues the annual tradition that has been a highlight of summer in the Battlefords.
Festivities kicked off Monday with the parade at 7 p.m. in North Battleford, with a week of activities planned at the Ag Society's fairgrounds in the city's southeast corner. It once again promises to be a fun-filled week for the entire family.
Activities commenced Tuesday at the grandstand with mounted shooting and chariot races, along with a midway sneak-peek beginning at 6 p.m.
A full day of activities is slated to start Wednesday, beginning with the Light Horse - 4-H Day in the big ring and the horseshoe tourney in the pits at 10 a.m.
Horticulture and competitive and commercial exhibits open at the Agriplex at noon Wednesday with the midway opening at 1 p.m.
A petting farm will be open from around 2:30 to 8 p.m. each day at the little red barn. The Bowmanville Zoo will offer camel rides Wednesday from 3 to 7:30 p.m. and Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. Chariot races will also be on display at 3 p.m. each day at the grandstand.
Peter and Mary perform on the outdoor stage at 3 p.m. each day and again at 7 p.m. Wednesday, 6:30 p.m. Thursday and 5 p.m. Friday.
The 4Paws K9 Dog Show is also featured at the Agriplex Wednesday through Friday at 3 p.m.
Gold Dragon Wrestling also has wrestling planned for 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday and 4 p.m. Friday.
A number of grandstand performances are planned this week. Big River, a Johnny Cash tribute, is scheduled to hit the stage at 8 p.m. Wednesday.
Hypnotist Jesse Lewis will be the featured attraction Thursday night at 8 p.m. as he attempts the record for the most people hypnotized in Canada at one time.
As well, new for 2012 is a miniature horse show going at 10 a.m. Thursday at the Agriplex.
An annual favourite returning to Northwest Territorial Days once again is chuckwagon racing. The provincial chuckwagons run at the race track Tuesday through Thursday at 6:30 p.m.
Friday night will see another annual favourite, the demolition derby, go at 6 p.m at the track.
At dusk Friday, the fireworks display will wrap up another exciting week of activities at the fair.
Those are just a few of the activities happening at the fair over the week. Not to be missed are the midway rides provided by West Coast Amusement. There also promises to be plenty of food to be had.
Fair draws will take place with the 50/50 draws sold daily on the grounds. Draws will be made daily as well.
Starting Wednesday, admissions are $12 for adults, $10 for students 13 to 17, $6 for children 6-12, while those 5 and under are free. Thursday, fair goers receive $1 off adult admission with the donation of a non-perishable item in support of the Food Bank.
