Declining interest The venue has become outdated; replaced by video technology, ease of travel and social media
After 47 years, the Saskatoon Fall Fair is no more.
The once popular purebred beef and commercial cattle show has seen its numbers steadily decline over the years.
“The committee concluded that it was not meeting the needs of the industry because attendance was so low,” said Brenda Sapergia, livestock manager for Prairieland Park.
The annual four-day November show has played an important role in the beef industry.
Initially designed to provide a venue for purebred producers to showcase breeding stock, it grew to encompass a commercial cattle show and sale, the Junior Classic, the Prospect Calf Show and Sale, the Cinderella Classic jackpot, the Senior Challenge and other components.
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As the beef industry has evolved over the past 50 years, so have the marketing strategies of purebred cattle producers.
The marketing value placed on traditional show ring competitions has been affected by the ease of mobility to travel to select premier events, the onset of technology including video, social media and website marketing and producer evaluation of genetics based on a multitude of technological tools.
Shrinking participation in provincial shows has been evident over the past several years and led Fall Fair organizers, including the volunteer committee and show management, to make the decision Jan. 22 to end the show.
“It was not a quick decision,” Sapergia said. “Right after the last show, we had the discussion. It wasn’t anything fast and drastic. It was carefully considered and discussed.”
She said the close dates of shows such as the Canadian Western Agribition in Regina affected the smaller, more regional venue.
“I think people are choosing to go to one. They can’t possible afford to go to all. I think that’s what’s happening,” she said.
However, Sapergia said ending the show does not lessen the commitment that Saskatoon Prairieland Park has to the beef industry. She said a planning committee will try to design something new.
