Lots To Do at Annapolis Ex

The 84th annual Annapolis Valley Exhibition has kicked-off with its fresh line-up of log-rolling, high jumping, slick-riding, kick-up-your-heels family fun, running August 16 through 21 in Lawrencetown.

Rachel Taylor, manager, said the exhibition committee is taking a different approach to planning the exhibition, aiming to offer something fresh each day. Some of the new events are actually old favorites brought back.

Susan Fraser Dressage returned to the main show ring on Monday, offering horse lovers a chance to see fluid equitation in motion. Dog lovers will have their days with two chances to see the athletics of Jump 2Cue Dog Agility, on Tuesday and Thursday.

Wednesday is Rodeo Night, featuring the ever-popular Wild and Woolie Sheep Rodeo. Clint Lewis and his team of riders are spotlighted on Friday, demonstrating the best of reining and fence work.

The Green Diamond Maritime Jumper Series on Saturday will appeal to the Spruce Meadows crowd, showcasing the best local jumpers.

This year’s musical entertainment line-up features the Grass Mountain Hobos on Thursday night. This PEI band has been making waves ever since its July appearance on Regis and Kelly Live. On Friday night, Myles Goodwin and April Wine celebrate 40 years of Rock.  Julian Austin headlines on Saturday.

Hilltop Hollow Farm’s lovable Huacaya Alpacas return this year and will be on display all week. Traditional craft demonstrations are also taking place at various times throughout the week. Watch rug hookers and quilters, or pick-up the basics of chair caning and rush work.

New food vendors have signed on to provide fresh flavours for this year’s crowd. In addition to Exhibition main stays of the Lawrencetown Volunteer Fire Department, Bac Loc and the 4-H canteens, Clara Milligan, of Maritime Cookhouse in Middleton will be offering breakfast and lunch menus in the dining hall, while John Bartlett, of the Capitol Pub is taking over the hall at 4 p.m. to open the Exhibition Pub.

In addition to the fresh coats of paint on some of the buildings and upgraded fences and roofs, other noticeable changes that can be seen this year around the grounds include a new building, “The Exhibition Heritage Shop.”

This building will be used for traditional demonstrations and displays such as spinning, soap making, and blacksmithing. The Heritage Shop was funded under a federal grant, and was designed by grounds manager Rickey Beals.

“Memories on Film,” a short documentary produced by Chris Moreau, is showing at various times during the week. Past exhibitors share their special memories of Exhibitions past.  Other special presentations this year include a talk on how to make the switch to organic, by Rupert Jannasch, of the Atlantic Canadian Organic Regional Network (ACORN).

Other new events added to this year’s line-up include story telling, gospel singing, martial arts demonstration, and a timber show.

Admission is $8 per person from Monday to Thursday (children under 12 years are admitted free); $12 per person on Friday and Saturday. Season passes are available at $25. For more information on the line-up of events, pick up a free program at one of the area Pharmasaves, or at the Exhibition office in Lawrencetown.

Story source:

Heather Killen

The Annapolis County Spectator

August 11th, 2010