SHELBURNE, N.S. — By Laura Churchill Duke
FOR THE TRI-COUNTY VANGUARD
The Shelburne County Agricultural Exhibition is an annual event bringing local citizens together and attracting visitors from afar to see Shelburne County’s way of life.
“It is a gathering place where many look forward to seeing old friends that they only ever get to see while at the Shelburne County Exhibition, and people take the opportunity to make new ones,” says the exhibition’s manager, Billie Buchanan.
Like it has over the past 143 years, the Shelburne County Exhibition has another great lineup of events for all ages at this year’s event, running from Aug. 6-11.
The exhibition kicks off with a street parade on Aug. 6 at 6:30 p.m. Buchanan suggests visitors and residents bring along a chair to enjoy the show along the route, and then after the street parade is over, continue on to the exhibition grounds to enjoy an evening filled with entertainment and much more. Any people or businesses interested in being in the parade, which has a wild west theme this year, are asked to contact Jamey Nickerson through Facebook to register.
This year’s events include heavy horse pull competitions, ox haul competitions, light horse competitions, horse shows, a kiddie barn, pageants, four-wheeler competitions and more.
“The 4-H program is also a very important part of our exhibition because the involvement of the youth of our community is our assurance of the continuation of such a wonderful tradition,” Buchanan says.
A lot of effort goes into procuring local talent, and organizing all the events, she adds.
In addition, local businesses will set up display booths along with other exhibitors, including those with produce, livestock, baked goods, photography, sewing and crafts. There will also be beekeeping and blacksmithing demonstrations.
The overall goal, says Buchanan, is to have 50 different exhibitors at the event this year.
The hauling barn will be full of power this year, says Buchanan, and organizers are looking forward to showing people just what real horsepower is made of. Between the ox hauls and the heavy horse pulls, it is sure to entertain, she says. And at the light horse ring, Buchanan says onlookers will get to watch some of the fastest horses in the Maritimes.
Other fun events include the return of the midway, and on Aug. 11, there will be a crash-up derby. The monster truck The Sheriff will be on site giving rides. There is a lot of entertainment this year including Milo T the Clown, Ian Stewart the hypnotist and a chain saw juggler. The band 3Way Radio is coming from Halifax, and Buchanan says if an army tank interests you, the Shelburne Exhibition is the place to be.
With these fun extras, Buchanan says organizers are hopeful attendance will be even higher this year.
More information about the Shelburne County Agricultural Exhibition being held at the grounds at 77 John Street can be found on the Shelburne County’s Exhibition’s Facebook page.