WINDSOR, N.S. — The kitchen at the Hants County Exhibition is getting a facelift, thanks to a generous $50,000 donation from Pioneer Seeds Canada.
Last fall, Pioneer Seeds issued a Here’s to Hometowns challenge, encouraging those across eastern Canada to submit a video discussing what community project deserved a renovation or upgrade. Pioneer Seeds reviewed the submissions, chose its favourites and then put the finalists forward for online public voting, explains Lisa Hines, general manager of the Hants County Exhibition.
In the exhibition’s video submission, Hines spoke about how it was the oldest agricultural fair in North America and would use the funds to upgrade the kitchen to provide a certified space to help food get from local farms to local tables, supporting the local economy.
Hines describes the current kitchen as “tired.”
“It was the cafeteria kitchen from 1977 until about eight or so years ago, when the cafeteria stopped operating,” says Hines. “It really has been underutilized since then.”
In the interim, Hines said the original cafeteria counter was used as a demonstration area at the exhibition.
Once Pioneer Seeds posted the videos, those with the most votes won the $50,000 prize for the region.
“We had fantastic, committed, community support,” says Hines, noting how “lots of people voted every single day.”
Their persistence paid off. The Hants County Exhibition was awarded the prize money for Atlantic Canada.
“We are hopeful to do a nice, workable renovation within this budget,” says Hines, who explains that the volunteers and staff will rethink and repurpose some of what they have, opening up the space and giving it a fresh, new look.
Renovations are costly, she says, and it's a big space that needs new flooring, and lighting and more.
The newly-renovated kitchen will create so many opportunities for entrepreneurs, artisan food producers, market vendors and caterers, she added.
“The new space can be used for cooking classes, taste testings and community functions,” says Hines.
It will also make the O'Brien Building, where the kitchen is located, much more appealing for other events, she says.
“We have some fun events in the works for the kitchen demo area on our radar,” says Hines, “but at the moment, nothing is confirmed.”
The new Pioneer Seeds kitchen will be unveiled during the 254th Hants County Exhibition.
A LOOK AHEAD AT THE EX
The 254th Hants County Exhibition will be held over the weekends of Sept. 13-15 and 20-22, 2019 and will focus on everything local, says general manager Lisa Hines.
“We have so many talented and worthy performers and interesting businesses in our area — we're spending our budget locally and offering these hard-working folks access to the thousands of visitors who come to our community each September to enjoy the Hants County Exhibition,” she says.
The main musical stage will be inside in the vendor hall this year, with performances over the six days. Dragonfly Haven Therapeutic Farm will be on site with its miniature animals — with a little yoga thrown in for good measure. Halifax Circus and Mad Science will also attend to entertain the kids.
“We're going to have a ‘Christmas in September’ venue and celebrate the work of our local Christmas tree growers,” Hines added.
In the arena, dog and pony relays are planned, along with Top 10 Maritime Barrel Racing Association runs.
“And you won't want to miss the tug of war finals,” she adds. “The 4-H and Heritage Classic Beef Show, horse and ox pulls all will be happening, as well as there being lots of equipment and tractors on site for big and little gear lovers.”
The hugely popular demolition derby, truck and tractor pulls will be back, Hines adds, and there will be offerings of local beer and cider, and the popular midway will also be back.
“We've got six great days in the works, full of family fun and something for everyone,” she adds.
GO ONLINE:
Learn more at hantscountyex.com or https://go.pioneer.com/heres-to-hometowns#winners
