258th Hants County Exhibition packed with events for all ages to enjoy

Editor’s Note: Since this story was written, the Windsor Agricultural Society’s board of directors has decided to carry on with the first weekend of events but it is keeping an eye on the tropical storm that is anticipated to affect the province Sept. 17-19. The outdoor modified truck and tractor pull has already been moved from the opening weekend to Saturday, Sept. 23 and the smash-up derby, which was planned for Sept. 23, will be held on Sunday, Sept. 24 instead. Additional scheduling modifications may be made. 

The organizers of North America’s oldest agricultural fair are optimistic they have booked something to entertain all ages this year.

Lisa Hines, the Hants County Exhibition manager, said they have a jam-packed two-weekend festival planned for the Windsor venue, featuring everything from the traditional agricultural oxen pulls, barrel racing competitions and 4-H demonstrations, to more modern events like a demolition derby, the ever-popular midway rides, and live musical entertainment.

“We feel really confident that we have something for everyone,” said Hines, taking a brief break from planning the 258th event.

The exhibition gets underway Friday, Sept. 15, and runs over two weekends. The exhibition wraps up on Sunday, Sept. 24.

“We had a record crowd last year on our first Saturday. It was the best feeling to walk around the grounds… to see people everywhere. What stood out to me the most was that people were really happy,” said Hines, reflecting on the 2022 exhibition — the first completely in-person exhibition since the 2020 pandemic resulted in a virtual fair.

And then post tropical storm Fiona resulted in the cancellation of the second weekend of fun.

While they can’t predict what weather is in store for this year, Hines said they have storm dates set for the outdoor motorsports. She also noted most of the events are held indoors and shouldn’t need to be cancelled due to inclement weather.

“Beside the midway, the bulk of our events are all indoors. We have four acres here, all under cover,” said Hines, adding with a smile, “It’s no trouble to wear rubber boots and a rain jacket if need be.”

New event

Although it was difficult to narrow down what some of the most anticipated events are this year, Hines said there has been a lot of buzz around a new event.

The Peavey Mart Ace-Canada Challenge, taking place Sept. 23 at 7 p.m. in the Hants Exhibition Arena, will see local businesses leaders and community members go head-to-head in a timed event.

“That pits teams of two head-to-head through a series of agriculture-themed stations… it should be very entertaining,” said Hines.

The teams, wearing rubber boots, will be competing for their favourite charities. The first prize team receives $750 to donate, while second place receives $500 and third place receives $350. There are additional prizes for best dressed, best square dance, best bouquet and fan favourite.

Another event Hines is looking forward to is watching two nights of tug of war.

“Tug of war has made a huge resurgence this year,” said Hines. “We’re really excited to have 10 teams booked — six women’s teams and four men’s team — to put on a great show.”

That competition will start following the charity challenge, with the majority of the tug of war rounds taking place on the last day of the fair.

Another highlight, Hines said, is the enhanced vendor market experience they’ve lined up for guests. She said Darwin Event Group will be running the market.

Returning to the exhibition after more than three decades is wrestling — something Hines said will be entertaining to have back in the lineup.

“This is the oldest agricultural fair in North America and if you go back to the very earliest fairs, wrestling was an event,” she said. “I’m sure wrestling looked much different 258 years ago than it does now.”

That event takes place on Sept. 24 at 2:30 p.m.

Hines said the Maritime Barrel Racing Association’s Ram Rodeo Tour, scheduled for the first weekend, always draws a crowd. Visitors to the exhibition get to witness the fastest riders in the Maritimes competing for money.

The first weekend is also Hants County 4-H weekend, where members of six 4-H Clubs in Hants County take part in showmanship and life skills competitions — showcasing the culmination of a year of learning.

In light of the “devastating losses caused by unprecedented rain and flash flooding” earlier in the summer, Joel Rafuse, the president of the Windsor Agricultural Society, noted in his message to fairgoers that he hopes the exhibition “will be a welcome reprieve and something to look forward to as we rebuild our community and support families who have lost so much.”

For more information, including a full schedule of events and admission prices, visit hantscountyex.com.

Did you know?

The Hants County Exhibition staff and volunteers wanted to show their gratitude for first responders who aided residents in July, when flash flooding resulted in evacuations, damaged homes and the death of four people. Lisa Hines said with the help of sponsors — GFL Environmental, OK Tire Windsor, and CBDC Hants-Kings, firefighters from Brooklyn station 1 and 2, Windsor, Summerville, Hantsport, Southwest Hants, and Walton, as well as members of West Hants Ground Search and Rescue have received a free family pass (which is valid for two adults and two children) to the exhibition.

“We wanted to somehow acknowledge and thank our local volunteer first responders,” said Hines, the exhibition manager.