Step 1. Classroom & School Heritage Fairs
Each year, some 4,000 students participate in Fairs held in schools across the province of British Columbia. Participation varies from school to school. In some schools, only one student, or perhaps one classroom may participate (Classroom Fair), while in others several grades and classrooms may take part (School Fair). We encourage all teachers and students to get involved and learn more!
To participate, students first choose a topic in Canadian history to explore, sometimes a family or local story. They develop a question that stems from their curiosity about that topic, and set about finding sources to answer it. Students create unique projects highlighting their chosen aspect of Canadian history or culture and present their project to their classmates, parents and community.
Where & When
School Fairs take place in approximately 80 communities across Canada. In BC, School Fairs generally take place between February and April.
Eligibility
Fairs are open to all grades and education options. However, to compete for a shot at the annual Provincial Fair, students must be registered in grades 4-10.
Find Out More
Teachers, please contact your Regional Coordinator to learn more about timelines, registrations and and to find out how you can get involved.
Regional Contact List
Step 2. Regional Heritage Fairs
After the School Fairs, some students are invited to take part in one of the many Regional Fairs across British Columbia. Regional Heritage Fairs bring together selected projects from local schools at a one or two day showcase event. Approximately 1,200 students across the province present their projects to the public, respond to questions from judges, receive a wide variety of awards, and share in the excitement of engaging heritage activities.
Where & When
Regional Fairs take place during the spring in approximately 14 communities across British Columbia.
Eligibility
By invitation only.
Step 3. Provincial Heritage Fair
Following the Regional Fairs, each region will choose a number of students to showcase their projects in a key feature of our program, the Provincial Heritage Fair. This is an exciting, multi-day “history summer camp” for select students and alumni. Here, students have the opportunity to showcase their projects to the public, and participate in numerous heritage related activities and trips.
The 2019 Provincial Fair will be held in Victoria in July ~ with visits to Chinatown, the Ross Bay Cemetery, Government House, Fort Rodd Hill, and more. The students will stay at the University of Victoria. The highlight of the their time will be the showcase of their projects at the Royal BC Museum on July 6, 2019.
The showcase of projects is an excellent opportunity to forge links between youth and the community. Many of our student projects involve original research and many visitors discover stories from the past that are new to them. In addition, the activities and trips give an opportunity for the students to appreciate the history and culture of a different community and to make friends with students from across the province.
When & Where:
The 2019 Provincial Heritage Fair will take place in Victoria – July 3 to 7, 2019.
Eligibility:
Students from grades 4 to 10 are eligible to participate in the BC Heritage Fairs program. From the Regional Fairs, coordinators will select students to attend the Provincial Fair. Students must be at least 10 years of age by the time of the Provincial Fair.
Step 4. Young Citizens
Students who participate in Heritage Fairs also have the opportunity to represent their region in the Young Citizens program. Participants in the Young Citizens program make a short video about their Heritage Fair topic, much like an evening news report or short documentary. The student videos are posted online and reviewed by a panel of judges. Students will be selected for a trip to Ottawa to attend a Youth Forum hosted by Canada’s History Society.
