Ag. Society excited to bring back annual exhibition, planning to keep prices low despite economy

Early-bird ride bracelets are available at $40 each in advance until the beginning of August, $10 off the regular price while supplies last. If people attend one day, that’s a $10 savings, or a $30 reduction if they go all three days.

For the parade leading into Territorial Days, similar to last year, participants are reminded that no candy or any type of hand-out is allowed to be given to spectators during the event.

Ritchie noted there have been too many problems in other years related to this, whether it’s due to the risk of children coming too close to the floats or the litter created. So just to avoid any mishaps, the ag. society is not permitting people to disperse any candy, food, drinks, or anything else.

“We’ve tried in the past where everything is handed directly, but that hasn’t worked,” she said. “Unfortunately we have had a couple of little issues with kids running into the road to grab candy. So we just decided for the best that we’re not going to do it.”

There will be no theme to the parade this year so people can decorate their floats any way they choose. The ag. society will once again judge for the best entry.

Ritchie added many people have already registered to take part. She is hoping there will be a variety of participants, including floats, horses, marching bands and anything else.

“We are getting quite a few entries for the parade, which is very nice,” she said. “Please remember if you haven’t entered to enter. We’re looking for a really great parade… if anybody has any kind of music, [that’s] always nice in the parade – a band, or any kind of dancing.” ‘

This will be the first year the ag. society will be able to hold a full exhibition since 2019 due to the COVID pandemic. The show was canceled in 2020, and a smaller-scale fair was held in 2021.

People can expect to see a full, large midway provided by West Coast Amusements this year, as well as a variety of entertainment and equine shows.

Some of the highlights include the X-Treme Dogs showing their skills. The feisty pooches previously performed their tricks on America’s Got Talent.

“We have some really good entertainment this year coming to our fair,” Ritchie said.

Chariots and Chuckwagons as well as Light Horse shows are both planned for all three days.

There will be no Draft Horse show this year due to the difficulty booking any to take part.

“A lot of people with the gas prices [so high] are not able to travel,” Ritchie added. “It’s just not worth their while. So this year unfortunately we are not going to have the Heavy Horse show.”

There will also not be any pie or jelly-making contests.

“We found that we just have a lack of entries. It’s unfortunate, but it’s just not going to happen again this year. Perhaps now that the prices of food are skyrocketing we aren’t going to get more into doing that again. Maybe we’ll look at it again next year.”

Ritchie explained there will still be a myriad of activities for people to take in at the exhibition, whether it’s the rides, the entertainment, or sampling some offerings at the food booths. So she is encouraging everyone to come and enjoy themselves.

–

Angela.Brown@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW

by Angela Brown

Ag. Society excited to bring back annual exhibition, planning to keep prices low despite economy

What's Trending