BIBLE HILL, N.S. — Darrelyn Hubley is one of many people looking forward to the excitement of exhibition.
The Nova Scotia Provincial Exhibition (NSPE) runs Tuesday, Aug. 20 to Saturday, Aug. 24 and this year’s theme is ‘Blue Jeans & Country Dreams.’
“We have the West Coast Lumberjack Show Thursday through Saturday this year,” said Hubley, general manager of the NSPE. “It’s something new and it’ll be fast paced. I think it’ll be a great family show.
“We also have the Little Farmers Fun Zone in Exhibition Hall. It’s an Interactive play space for kids under five and will have a pedal track, corn box and other play stations, along with some seating for adults to relax.
“Motorsports are always popular, and we’ve got lots of those.”
Demolition derby takes place Tuesday evening, with ATV obstacle and drag races Wednesday and truck and tractor pulls Friday and Saturday. A car show cruise will be held on Thursday.
There will be both English and western equestrian competition, including Ram Rodeo barrels and poles. Draft horse events include a Maritime 4-Horse Classic show.
4-H displays, and the petting farm, will all be located at the new 4-H barn, but competitions will be held around the grounds beginning Monday, when admission is free.
Several vendors will be selling food around the grounds. The MacMillian Show Centre’s kitchen was renovated this year and the Farmhouse Bar & Grill has opened, with an air-conditioned dining room. Because of this, only service dogs are now permitted in the stands of the arena.
Hinchey’s Rides will be back with rides and games for all ages and there will be a Discovery Centre science show, pie eating contest, cooking demonstrations, cattle, rabbits, goats, vegetables, flowers, and crafts. Wambolt’s Hobby Farm, a rescue and adoption centre for farm animals, will also have displays.
There will be live music, with Fiddle Fest Tuesday evening, Down East Bluegrass and Oldtime Music Wednesday and the Jackie Putnam Band on Friday. Saturday evening includes a party called Kickin’ it in the Dirt, in the MacMillan Show Centre, from 10 p.m. until 1 a.m., headlined by local band Nowhere Road. This event is for ages 19 and older.
Artisans will be at the Farm Equipment Museum to provide demonstrations on rug hooking, wood carving, rope making, spinning, needle felting pottery and more.
“The big thing we’re trying to focus on is the bang for your buck,” said Hubley. “For a family here for a fun day, there’s lots to see and do and we’re trying to keep it affordable.”
Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for seniors or children and free for children four and under. A family pass (two adults and up to three children) is $25 for the day or $80 for the week.
Admission is free on Monday, Aug. 19, for 4-H Day, when 4-H members from across the province will demonstrate their talents.
For a full schedule of events, visit https://www.nspe.ca/nspe/schedule