Take your kids to an exhibition
Nova Scotia has a great history of hosting agricultural fairs, and two continue to run in the Valley, including the Hants County Exhibition in Windsor and the Annapolis Valley Exhibition in Lawrencetown.
Rachel Taylor, general manager of the Annapolis Valley Exhibition, says the Lawrencetown fair is 90 years old this year and still runs with the same mandate. The aim is to provide agricultural education to the wider community in a fun and welcoming atmosphere that encourages people to visit again, says Taylor.
Going to these exhibitions makes great family fun. Jackson should know because she’s been going since she was a child.
“I was heavily involved in the 4-H program,” says Jackson, “so the exhibition was (and remains) the culmination of months of hard work for the local 4-Hers and certainly one of the high- lights of the 4-H calendar.”
Jackson continues the tradition by taking her two sons Keagan, eight, and Ewan, five, each year to the exhibition. She hopes they will one day become involved with the 4-H program so it gives them exposure to the various projects they could take, she says. Besides, they also like to see their schoolmates competing in various projects and look for their schoolwork on display.
This year marks the 251st anniversary of the Hants County Exhibition, which first started in 1765. According to Exhibition manager David Coombes, it is the oldest agricultural fair in North America. That’s something to brag about.
“I take my boys to the exhib- ition as I love that it gives them the opportunity to interact with agriculture,” says Melanie Jackson, Curry’s Corner, about the Hants County Exhibition.
A highlight for the Jackson family is also visiting on site with Melanie’s father, a member of the NS Antique Engine and Tractors Association. The organization’s displays show how various farming and forestry processes were done prior to the development of more complex machinery.
A highlight for all kids at both exhibitions is the carnival rides.
“I like the Ferris wheel and the games you can play to win prizes,” says Keagan. “I’m looking forward to going on the rides this year!”
The Hants County Exhibition takes place in Windsor over two weekends: Sept. 16-18 and Sept. 23-25. Daily admission is charged, or a three-day pass can be purchased for $25. This year’s highlights include cultural activities, lots of local food and Cuddles the Dinosaur.
Jackson recommends attending the weekend that includes the 4-H exhibits as there is always lots to see and do and there are typically more children present then.
The Annapolis Valley Exhibition runs daily in Lawrencetown from August 15 to 20. The adult daily pass is $10 to $15 and includes the concerts (Emerson Drive and April Wine). Admission for youth aged nine to 12 is $5 daily and children eight and under are free.
Feature events this year at the Annapolis Valley Exhibition include ATV races, dog agility competitions, head-to-head pole bending, horse jumping, daily ox and horse pulls, livestock contests and so much more. New this year is mounted shooting, and kids are advised to bring ear protectors as it could get noisy! Or, watch cars play hockey, trying to score a goal using a loader tire as a puck.
There is so much for children to do from visiting baby farm animals to kid contests, and kid sections with arts and crafts.
“We encourage people to attend to meet with friends old and new and carry on a generationlong tradition of farming, fun and involvement in community events,” says Taylor.
To get your money’s worth out of the exhibition, make sure you plan to go for a full day. Jackson recommends having children save up to pay for their carnival rides and have parents cover the cost of entry and food.
And, don’t forget to wear appropriate footwear for when you visit the barn, says Jackson.
This summer, continue the centuries’ old Valley tradition and plan to attend an exhibition with your family!