There is nothing quite like fair season. The smell of fresh mini donuts, the sound of live music, the excitement of carnival rides, and spending quality time with family and friends make it one of the highlights of summer. Whether you’re visiting a small community fair or a larger event, a little planning can make your day much more enjoyable.
Here in the Okanagan, our family has attended Westside Daze for years, and every summer we’ve learned something new about what makes for a fun, stress-free day. After plenty of trial and error (and a few forgotten essentials!), we’ve put together our go-to list of items that help make every fair adventure successful.
If you’re heading out to your local fair this summer, don’t leave home without these ten essentials!
1. A Reusable Water Bottle
Staying hydrated should be your number one priority during fair season.
Summer temperatures can climb quickly, especially if you’re spending hours walking around in the sun. Dehydration can sneak up on you before you realize it, causing headaches, fatigue, dizziness, and making the day far less enjoyable.
Bring a reusable insulated water bottle to keep your drinks cold throughout the day. Many fairs have refill stations, making it easy to top up your water without constantly purchasing bottled drinks.
Pro Tip: Start drinking water before you even arrive at the fair and continue sipping throughout the day rather than waiting until you’re thirsty.
2. Sunscreen
Nothing ruins the fun faster than a painful sunburn.
Even if the forecast isn’t calling for blazing sunshine, UV rays are still strong during the summer months. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen before leaving home and reapply every two hours—especially if you’ve been sweating or spending lots of time outdoors.
Don’t forget easy-to-miss areas like:
- Ears
- Back of your neck
- Tops of your feet
- Shoulders
- Hands
Your future self will thank you.
3. A Hat and Sunglasses
Sun protection goes beyond sunscreen.
A wide-brimmed hat or baseball cap provides welcome shade while polarized sunglasses help protect your eyes from harsh UV rays and reduce glare while you’re watching performances or exploring the midway.
Lightweight clothing in breathable fabrics also helps keep your body cooler throughout the day.
4. Healthy Snacks
Sure, fair food is part of the experience—but it can also get expensive.
Packing a few snacks helps keep everyone energized while preventing those “hangry” moments in long ride or food lines.
Some of our favourite options include:
- Granola bars
- Trail mix
- Apple slices
- Grapes
- Cheese strings
- Crackers
- Beef jerky
- Fruit snacks
Having something quick on hand is especially helpful for younger children who suddenly decide they’re starving.
5. Hand Sanitizer and Disinfecting Wipes
Thousands of people touch ride bars, game booths, picnic tables, and payment terminals throughout the day.
Keeping a travel-sized bottle of hand sanitizer in your bag makes it easy to clean your hands before eating or after rides.
Disinfecting wipes are also handy for cleaning tables before sitting down for lunch or wiping sticky little hands.
6. Cash for Easy Transactions
While many vendors now accept debit and credit cards, not every booth does.
Having some cash on hand can save time and frustration, especially for:
- Game booths
- Food vendors
- Local craft markets
- Parking
- Small community vendors
It also makes budgeting easier. Decide on a spending limit before you arrive so you can enjoy the day without overspending.
7. Portable Phone Charger
Between taking photos, recording videos, checking schedules, using maps, and staying connected with family members, your phone battery can disappear surprisingly fast.
A small portable power bank ensures your phone stays charged all day long.
You’ll appreciate having a working phone if someone gets separated from your group or you need to access digital tickets.
8. Comfortable Shoes
You may not realize it, but you’ll likely walk several kilometres during a day at the fair.
Supportive walking shoes can make all the difference.
Leave the brand-new sandals at home and choose footwear that’s already broken in. Your feet—and your back—will thank you by the end of the evening.
9. A Small Backpack or Crossbody Bag
Keeping your hands free while carrying your essentials makes navigating crowded fairgrounds much easier.
Pack only what you truly need:
- Water bottle
- Sunscreen
- Snacks
- Wallet
- Keys
- Phone charger
- Hand sanitizer
- Sunglasses
A lightweight backpack distributes weight evenly, while a crossbody bag keeps valuables close and secure.
10. A Positive Attitude and a Flexible Plan
Not everything will go exactly as expected.
Ride lines might be longer than anticipated, favourite food vendors may sell out, and the weather can change quickly.
Instead of trying to fit everything into one visit, focus on making memories together.
Some of our favourite moments at Westside Daze haven’t been the rides at all—they’ve been sitting together watching live entertainment, laughing over mini donuts, cooling off with an evening stroll, and ending the night with the spectacular drone show or fireworks as the sun sets over the beautiful Okanagan.
Those simple moments often become the memories we treasure most.
Bonus Items Worth Packing
If you have room in your bag, these extras can make your day even more comfortable:
- Lip balm with SPF
- Cooling towel
- Bug spray for evening events
- Small first-aid kit with bandages
- Tissues
- Baby wipes
- Reusable shopping bag for purchases
- Rain poncho (just in case!)
- Refillable electrolyte packets for extra hydration on especially hot days
Final Thoughts
Fair season is all about making memories, supporting local businesses, and enjoying everything your community has to offer. With a little preparation, you can spend less time worrying about forgotten essentials and more time soaking up the experience.
After years of attending Westside Daze here in the Okanagan, we’ve learned that staying hydrated, protecting ourselves from the sun, packing a few practical necessities, and planning ahead makes every visit smoother and far more enjoyable.
Whether you’re riding the Ferris wheel, sampling delicious fair food, enjoying live entertainment, or simply watching the sunset with the people you love, having these essentials on hand helps make the day comfortable, safe, and unforgettable.
What’s one item you never leave home without during fair season? I’d love to hear your must-have essentials in the comments!