The third annual Seniors Sneak Peek took place at the Albion Fairgrounds Friday afternoon just before the gates to the Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Country Fest were thrown open.
The sneak peek is an opportunity for seniors to see the fair before the crowds descend on the fairgrounds, said Kathie Rodway, a volunteer who is on the board of the Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Seniors Network, the group behind the event.
"Because a lot of people who come to the fair, especially seniors, have difficulty getting transportation and walking around and that sort of thing," Rodway said.
About 150 seniors turned out at the Golden Ears Winter Club where they were treated to free fresh popcorn and drinks and live entertainment.
Phil Van Loo performed a host of country tunes and the Ukrainian Prairie Band – along with members from the Hazelmere Heritage Fiddlers and the Fraser Valley Fiddlers – also played some old time music – which had many in the room up dancing.
A group of square dancers also took centre stage.
Then, after the entertainment, volunteers from the local Men's Sheds were planning to drive groups of seniors around the fairgrounds on golf carts so they could see the animals up close and the entries for the Home Arts and Garden competition.
Maple Ridge resident Lynda Debruyn had never been to the event before and thought it was great.
"I think it's wonderful to see these people up dancing," said Debruyn, whose husband was playing in the band. "I am looking forward to getting the ride around afterwards in the golf cart to see what else is here because I don't normally come to this fair because I hate crowds," she said, noting that she was looking forward to seeing the animals since she grew up with horses and used to compete with them.
Walter Frank of Pitt Meadows said that with his wife they had done a lot of dancing in their lifetime and that they were enjoying the festivities, especially the old time music.
"It's beautiful," he said, adding that they were planning to be at the festival over the weekend. "It's nice to see people enjoying themselves instead of sitting back."
Lynn O'Laughlin who has lived in Maple Ridge since 1970 said the turnout was great at the sneak peek event. She was surprised at how popular the event was.
O'Laughlin said she just loves the country atmosphere where people bring all their crafts and the 4-H groups bring their horses and cows. O'Laughlin herself won a trophy at Country Fest when she was around 12-years-old for photography.
"It's just a lot of fun," she said.
