Abbotsford Agrifair is introducing Canada's largest monster truck tour at this year's fair as it works towards becoming a self-sustaining event in the future.
The 2025 fair, running Aug. 1 to 3 at Exhibition Park, includes the Monster Spectacular, featuring five monster trucks, freestyle motocross and ATV races.
Four outdoor shows will be held during the first two days of the fair, with guests needing to purchase an additional ticket beyond their regular Agrifair entry to attend these shows.
The popular demolition derby is returning in a new location close to the Thunderbowl and is included in the fair's admission price.
The theme for this year's fair is "Get Revved Up."
Agrifair president Stephanie Nelson said the changes are aimed at ensuring the financial stability and durability of Agrifair.
In a letter to the Agrifair board of directors in January 2025, Mayor Ross Siemens noted that city staff met with representatives from the Abbotsford Agrifair Society in 2022 to look at ways to make the event sustainable.
At that time, Agrifair’s annual budget ran from $500,000 to $750,000, and the city’s contribution was around $80,000, much of which went towards services such as policing and fencing costs.
"Both parties emphasized the need for Agrifair to become an independent, self-sustaining event," Siemens wrote of the 2022 meeting.
"While this requires careful planning and innovation, as evidenced by other successful community events such as the Abbotsford International Airshow, Berry Fest, Jam in Jubilee, Winter Jubilee, and Symphony in the Park, it is indeed achievable.”
Nelson said she is proud of the board for "thinking creatively to invest in new, exciting attractions that will drive revenue and renew interest in this 116-year-old event.”
The Agrifair board has also restructured its staff, promoting fair manager Cory Cassel to executive director in January.
As well, they have contracted a consultant to review the fair’s operations and value proposition, ensuring that strategic decisions are in place to secure its long-term viability and competitive edge.
“As Agrifair strives to become self-sustaining, the board will need to make choices and investments that will inevitably transform the fair’s appearance and feel, continuing its evolution since its inception in 1909," Nelson said.
"We must also equip our staff with the tools and resources necessary to make the fair the best it can be, even with less financial support from the city.”
She said the board looks forward to receiving the consultant's report, "which we hope will illuminate opportunities for growth and financial sustainability, allowing us to evaluate the recommendations that will be presented."
Other activities at this year's fair include mainstage headliners Tom Flavin and the Powder Blues Band wrapping up the fair on Sunday evening, while Faber Drive takes the stage on Friday.
Saturday will feature a nostalgic lineup of tribute acts through the decades, celebrating icons such as Elvis, Neil Young, ZZ Top and the Tragically Hip throughout the day and evening.
A revamped Kids Zone will include a mobile planetarium from the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, a Monster Foam Party, and an escape room.
Other attractions include pig races, All-Star Wrestling, Extreme Dogs, the Country Horse Classic, agricultural shows, and antique farm machinery displays – all included in the admission price.
Visit agrifair.ca for more information.
