‘I cannot see another one happening’
Cape Breton County Farmers Exhibition cancelled again
NORTH SYDNEY, N.S. — For many schoolchildren, the Cape Breton County Farmers Exhibition was once synonymous with the end of summer, a last fun outing before heading back to school.
Not this year, though. For the second year in a row, the Department of Agrculture has cancelled all of its exhibitions.
“The exhibition is the largest fundraiser that we have for the grounds, which supports local farmers, and now this is the second year in a row that we did not have one,” said Pauline MacLeod, exhibition facilities manager in North Sydney.
When asked whether the exhibition could continue in 2022 and beyond, MacLeod said it’s questionable.
“Right now, I certainly couldn't make that decision. We'd have to do it as a board but unless there's some funding somewhere, I cannot see another one happening, no.”
This year would have marked the exhibition’s 105th year. It’s a chance for local farmers to sell their goods and members of the community to get together.
“A lot of kids won't have the opportunity to see other animals, see how farming works, and have one last adventure with their friends before they go back to school,” said MacLeod.
LOST JOBS
She said another big loss is the employment that the exhibition brings for the community.
“Everyone thinks it’s (just) a week. Well, the exhibition’s a week, but it’s what’s leading up to it. It’s the tourism that comes back, the hotels, the gas stations, the grocery stores. It’s gonna make a big impact on the local community.”
MacLeod said that she never realized how much work went into the exhibition until she began as a volunteer in 2016.
“It is pretty amazing how all the farmers and the board come together and put this great experience out for the community. And everything that’s made goes back into local farmers, so that’s a huge thing.”
The Post reached out to Tim Marsh, president of the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture, for comment. He responded with a statement.
“Exhibitions are an important part of rural life in Nova Scotia. Not only do they provide opportunities for agricultural education and awareness, they are also a great chance for farmers to showcase their work with their local community, and to catch up with friends,” said Marsh.
“It’s unfortunate that traditional exhibitions have been suspended for another year. We hope that exhibitions are supported as they work towards restarting for the 2022 year.”
MacLeod said that those wishing to see the exhibition continue should reach out to their local politicians.
“We applied for funding, we always do, and it just seems like every time I turn around it’s a no,” said MacLeod.
“We’re the only one in Cape Breton, and that’s a big thing. You go to other exhibitions and they have so much community support, and we just don’t seem to have it here.”