VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – The Fair at the PNE is considering a change in date.

The fair typically runs in late August. But starting tomorrow, organizers will be asking British Columbians whether it should be held in mid summer instead because of what they call “changing weather patterns.”

“Our long standing tradition that has us ending on Labour Day may no longer make sense from a weather perspective,” says Laura Ballance who speaks for the fair.

The fair insists no decision has been made — it’s only exploring the possibility.

“We’re going to talk to British Columbians about what they feel the impact of moving the Fair into a July window would be,” she adds.

Organizers say we see seen an average of twice the amount of rain during the last 2 weeks of August, compared to the last two weeks of July. They also say average daily temperature in late August is dropping slightly, while it is increasing comparatively in late July.

Starting tomorrow, Insights West will carry out a poll on the subject. Ballance says there will be a phone survey to find out what you think about the idea of moving the fair dates.

“We wanted to talk to British Columbians — because we are such a big part of the fabric of this province — before any decisions were made. So, we wanted to let people know that if they do get a call, we’re interested in hearing their opinion and there’s also the opportunity for people to visit the PNE’s website and give their opinion.”

There are logistics to consider on the other side. Ballance says vendors have long anticipated the PNE dates later in the season when working out their schedules. Plus, there’s the whole end-of-summer tradition factor.

If the date change goes ahead, it would start in 2018 or later.

Mayor Gregor Robertson says rethinking the PNE dates is a good thing.

“They’ve done their homework. Hopefully this gives the PNE every chance to do better financially and more people to enjoy the fun and good weather.”