Join us for the 158th Cowichan Exhibition, September 18, 19, 20, 2026.
We are currently working on our annual Fair Catalogue which will be printed in early Summer – Our catalogue includes all the instructions on what you can enter, when to enter, the costs and when to bring your entries, etc. You will also be able to download the entry forms and the programme of events.
Printed copies of the catalogue will be available at various businesses in the Cowichan Region. Look for that list of locations in early Summer or if you are business that would like copies of the Fair Catalogue, please send us an email cowex@shaw.ca
Here’s a look at the 2026 Divisions – their classes with theme and special prizes – keep checking back for updates!
4-H – Div. 10 – Club members may also enter their 4-H animals in the OPEN CLASSES, and must complete the regular Livestock entry form and pay the regular entry fee.
Cattle, Beef – Div. 6 – Thanks to 2025 Beef Show Sponsors – Top Shelf, Island Tractor and Mellor Excavating
Cattle, Dairy – Div. 7 – Please note! Late entry fee is $10 per class
Creative Stitchery – Div. 25 – Check back for special awards, classes and theme challenges
Eggs – Div. 12 – Thanks to Farmer Ben’s Egg for sponsoring the Outstanding entries awards of $50 cash in the fresh eggs and juniors classes
Field Crops – Div. 13 – Thanks to Old Farm Market for sponsoring the Build a Scarecrow Contest. Keep this year’s theme, “Proudly Canadian,” in mind when creating your scarecrow!
Fine Arts – Div. 21
- NEW! In the Open division – Bad Art
- NEW! In the Junior division – Tattoo Flash Art
Flowers – Div. 18 – Thanks to Esther Craig for sponsoring the Most Dahlias Award
From the Kitchen – Div. 19
- NEW! Bannock Bread
- NEW! Pakora
- PLUS our Chicken Wing Challenge is back!
Fruit – Div. 15
- NEW – Largest Apple
- NEW – Forage Fruit – arrangement on the stem of fruits gathered from the wild
Garden Produce – Div. 14 – Thanks to K. Ben Buss for sponsoring the “Our Family Garden” Contest
Goats, Registered Dairy – Div. 5 – Please note! Late entry fee is $10 per class
Hobbies & Crafts – Div. 23
- NEW – Theme Challenge “Proudly Canadian” – any item made from pieces of one or more recycled hockey sticks – Thanks to Island Return It for sponsoring the $25 first prize!
- Lego “Out of this World ‘ original design inspired by Canada’s contribution to the Space Program – thanks to the Red Balloon Toy Shop for sponsoring the first prize of a $20 gift certificate to their store
- Thanks to the CVRD Recycling and Waste Management for sponsoring the Recycling Best in Show Awards – three outstanding entries will be chosen from classes 18 – 24 – 1st – $50 / 2nd – $30 / 3rd – $20
- Thanks to Dinters for sponsoring our Garden Hat Contest – 1st– $75 /, 2nd– $50/ 3rd-$25 – Keep the theme in mind when creating your masterpiece!
Honey – Div. 16 – For those new beekeepers, there is a novice class – more details to follow! Plus, check out the Cowichan Beekeepers Bee Mobile, located behind Mellor Hall.
Horses, Light – Div. 9 – Please note! * Stabling is free. But all stalls MUST be left clean; otherwise, a $25 cleaning fee will be deducted from prize money.
Horses, Miniature – Div. 8 – Please note! * Stabling is free. But all stalls MUST be left clean; otherwise, a $25 cleaning fee will be deducted from prize money.
Juniors (ages 5 to 17) – Div. 30 – NEW! Our Recycling classes are now in their own section- thanks to Island Return It for sponsoring
Knitting & Crochet – Div. 26 – Check back for special awards, classes and theme challenges
Photography – Div. 22 – NEW – Quintessential Cowichan Backyard BBQ, the photo with the most locally sourced, Cowichan-grown and Cowichan-produced products in the image wins fabulous cash prizes from Cowichan Valley Voice – 1st: $75 / 2nd: $50/3rd: $25
Quilts in the Barn – Div. 27 – Theme Challenge, Best of Show, Colour Challenge and People’s Choice Awards
Div. 27 – Troll Brothers Quilt Shop Most Entries by One Exhibitor entering both Div. 27 and 28, including Class 8 in Sewing
Sewing – Div. 28 – Troll Brothers Quilt Shop Most Entries by One Exhibitor entering both Div. 27 and 28, including Class 8 in Sewing
Here’s a look at our 2025 Official Catalogue – Online version
Division 22 – 2025 Photography Winners
These “photos of the photos” were done by Martha Aguero, and they are just a reference, and can not compare to the prints that were shown at the Exhibition.
