EX FACTOR
Plans underway for annual Cape Breton County Farmers Exhibition in North Sydney
Cape Breton County Farmers Exhibition to take place in August in North Sydney.
The Cape Breton County Farmers Exhibition will take place as scheduled this year in North Sydney.
Organizers are in the early stages of planning for this year’s event, which will be held Aug. 13-18 at the Exhibition Grounds on Regent Street.
There was some doubt about the future of the exhibition as the Cape Breton Federation of Agriculture doesn’t receive funding or financial help and has been turned down for repeated requests for assistance.
“We’re struggling financial,” said Pauline MacLeod, exhibition facilities manager.
“People complain about the price and everything, but they don’t realize that the exhibition helps us generate enough income to pay insurance and a little bit for general upkeep — it’s not our full financial, but it does help keep the buildings afloat.
The exhibition buildings are used throughout the year by 10-12 non-profit organizations on the Northside and without the exhibition, they wouldn’t be able to open for them.
“It’s been a struggle because we are trying to put on an exhibition and everything costs money,” said MacLeod. “When people think of the exhibition, they think of the rides, and it certainly does bring the children, but it’s not all we have, we offer entertainment daily and we have animals here
that you wouldn’t see.”
The cost of running an exhibition isn’t cheap, said MacLeod.
“Everything has a cost — the animals have a cost, the insurance is a cost, the entertainment is a cost — it’s a huge expense,” she said. “Each year we budget things out, however we do look for sponsorship.”
MacLeod believes many exhibitions have moved away from showcasing agriculture, which is one of the things the North Sydney event would like to highlight more this year.
“We have a lot of exciting things in the works and again we’re only in the beginning stages,” said MacLeod. “It’s not a Northside event, it’s a Cape Breton Regional Municipality event, and we would like people from all over to come.”
MacLeod confirmed the Men of the Deeps will return to the exhibition this year. The group was forced to miss last year’s event because of a scheduling conflict.
“Where else can seniors come and enjoy the Men of the Deeps for an evening for $10?” said MacLeod. “Not only do they get an evening with the Men of the Deeps, they get to walk around the grounds and enjoy themselves in other ways as well.”
This year’s exhibition will feature many popular traditional events including live horse shows. As part of the exhibition, Hinchey’s Rides and Amusements will also be on site with rides and games.
As always, food vendors will also be set up at the exhibition throughout the week.
“Last year we had a great year and a great turnout, we’re hoping that will be the same this year,” said MacLeod. “We’ve always had support from the community and our local business always help as well.”
The Cape Breton Federation of Agriculture doesn’t expect to receive any funding from the Cape Breton Regional Municipality this year, noting financial support wasn’t available in previous years. Organizers are seeking sponsors to help with this year’s events. The exhibition is also looking for volunteers willing to donate their time.
“We look for sponsorship for our horse events in the arena and we also look for sponsorship with our entertainment,” said MacLeod. “We could not keep going each year without the help of our community.”
Anyone wishing to sponsor or volunteer for this year’s Cape Breton County Farmers Exhibition is asked to contact MacLeod at 902-794-7633.