Exhibition celebrating 100 years in August
A one hundredth anniversary is a huge milestone in life, whether it’s a business, an institution or for a rare few people, a birthday.
When Aug. 15 rolls around it will mark the one hundredth anniversary of the Cape Breton County Exhibition, and while many things have changed over the decades, some others have remained the same. The competitive spirit in the ring is still a friendly one, the enticing aromas of exhibition food still makes you crave fries and cotton candy, and the music from the Hinchey rides brings out the kid in all of us.
While years ago the emphasis was mainly on livestock and handcraft displays, it is now shared with entertainment of all kinds. This year will bring a variety of new and old acts to the arena.
Last year was the first time the Mounted Cowboy Shooting Club performed and they were so popular they are coming back. There will be a Mustang Show on Tuesday with trained horses performing tricks, and new events include the Human Hamster Ball Races and the Red Neck Olympics.
The Men of the Deeps are celebrating their 50th anniversary and will perform as they have for many years. New vendors and displays are lined up and of course the beautiful handiwork and floral competitions will be offered, as well as some demonstrations throughout the week. The 4-H groups are a big part of the celebrations and will display their work and talents.
Many of you will remember the large number of quilts, knitwear, clothing, etc. on display in the past, and while that has dwindled over time, there is still an interest and certainly the quality has remained. Anyone can enter their work in the Ex, just drop into the office to pick up a handbook and bring your entries on Saturday, Aug. 13. Baking is also an area where you can show off your skills, especially in the special Angel Food Cake category; these and the floral entries can be delivered on Monday, Aug. 15, before 11 a.m.
There are some friendly rivalries that have been part of the fun over the years and the more entries the better; it keeps everyone on their toes. For more information call the Exhibition office 902-794-7633, Pauline MacLeod, Sarah Poole and Katelyn Tobin are on hand to help.
Recent visitors to town took the Giant Walk and were thrilled by the reaction of their children. So many questions came up about giants, especially Giant MacAskill, about what fairies do all day, what to do if you meet a fairy (or a giant) in your backyard, and so on. This has been a great endeavor by Escape Outdoors, getting families to be active while engaging in an imaginative way, showing that wishing is a good thing and can bring results, even if you can’t actually see them. By the end of the summer there will be no doubt that Big Mac and Bluebell will live happily ever after. Take Care