2025 Saanich Fair

The Barnstormers stormed the Saanich Fair grounds this year to provide a fly ball demonstration to interested fair goers at this year’s Saanich Fair over the Labour Day long weekend. A mix of seasoned and green dogs showed off their skills to an audience of dog lovers over three very hot afternoons.

Coach Sid led the demonstration introducing each dog as they performed a run back and then we were off, racing each other and providing the audience with an example of the organized chaos that is flyball.

Along with some four-pawed turns, beautiful runs and tight passes, we also saw dogs changing lanes, dropping balls, missing jumps, and stealing balls – basically flyball at its best. Green handlers and dogs got to perform in front of an audience for the first time and some rookie box loaders now understand the pressures of competition!  

The highlight of the weekend was getting to interact with the audience and introduce them to flyball. People saw the progression of the dogs from shy and nervous to polished and focused and everything in between. Dogs of all breeds and mixes and various different temperaments can succeed in flyball and judging from the happy barks and tired pups, they all had a great time!

A special thanks to those who stepped in to run dogs that needed handlers and box load on short notice! Everyone stepped up to set up and take down the field: a key to the success of the Barnstormers!

The weekend write up isn’t complete without a shout out to the creativity of certain club members who whipped up some wonderful flyball t-shirts! The orders are piling up!