Prior to the turn of the century, the Armstrong Spallumcheen region experienced an influx of immigrants who brought along their unique customs, beliefs, and a variety of grains, vegetables, and fruits.

To determine which strains were best suited for the area, settlers organized a tabletop exhibition. Different species were showcased for comparison, enabling farmers to assess the quality of their own produce in relation to others. If they found others’ crops to be superior, they would transition to those varieties in the following year. For instance, due to the absence of refrigeration, it was necessary to gather and store winter food supplies in cellars by October. Consequently, a particular strain of apples gained popularity; they were initially firm when harvested but gradually softened over the course of a few months. These early fairs proved highly beneficial, making life easier for settlers. Through these events, they were able to enhance the quality of their agricultural yields and livestock, thus reducing the uncertainties that plagued their lives.

These shifts began to transform the agricultural landscape of the area. The initial small tabletop exhibition, held at what is now the Legion building’s west end, proved so advantageous that the residents decided to expand it. Through the donation of land to the Armstrong Spallumcheen Agricultural Society, the fair and livestock exhibits were relocated. The fairgrounds occupied a portion of the present-day grounds, and since there were no dedicated livestock facilities, animals were simply tethered to the fence. As a result, the fair remained a one-day affair. Cattlemen would lead their cattle to Armstrong in the morning and return them home in the early evening. The first barns for livestock were constructed in 1910, with an additional building added in 1916. Unfortunately, these barns burned down in 1925. Between 1927 and 1929, new barns for sheep, swine, poultry, and cattle were erected just west of the new grandstands by the Centennial Hall.

The evaluation of cattle mirrored the approach taken with crops. Herds were compared, and cattlemen would consider acquiring superior calves to enhance their breeding stock. This way, both herds and crops were improved through the fair. Eventually, show herds were brought in from various parts of the province to facilitate better comparison. The quality of herds in the area steadily improved until they could rival any herd in the lower mainland.

The quest for better products brought about several changes to the Armstrong/Spallumcheen Agricultural Society. In 1919, the fair’s name was changed to the North Okanagan Fall Fair, aiming to encompass a broader area and attract more entries. This expansion provided enhanced opportunities for comparison. With the growth of the North Okanagan Fall Fair, the aforementioned barns for sheep, swine, poultry, and cattle were justified.

Realizing the need for even greater membership, the society decided on another name change. In 1930, the fair was renamed the Interior Provincial Exhibition (IPE). Since that time, the IPE has experienced continuous growth. With the guidance of long-serving managers such as M. Hassen Sr. and Mat Hassen Jr., the fair evolved and maintained its focus on agriculture. Although the fair faced challenges during the 1930s, the directors displayed unwavering determination, ensuring its continuation. The fair’s enduring spirit and dedication carried on throughout the decades and into the present day.

In recent years, a misconception has emerged that Armstrong usurped the fair from Vernon. However, this is simply untrue. The first Armstrong fair took place in 1900, while the Vernon fair was still operational. It was not until 1914, when a fire destroyed Vernon’s facilities, that their fair came to an end. Vernon’s fair continued for fourteen years after Armstrong hosted its initial fair